(NewsNation) — FBI Director Christopher Wray announced he is stepping down as FBI director at the end of the current administration.

Wray announced his plan to leave his role at a townhall meeting for FBI employees. He said his goal is to keep the focus on the agency’s mission and that stepping down is the best way for him to avoid dragging the FBI into political division.

“After weeks of careful thought, I’ve decided the right thing for the Bureau is for me to serve until the end of the current Administration in January and then step down. My goal is to keep the focus on our mission — the indispensable work you’re doing on behalf of the American people every day. In my view, this is the best way to avoid dragging the Bureau deeper into the fray, while reinforcing the values and principles that are so important to how we do our work,” he said.

The move clears the way for President-elect Donald Trump to appoint a new director. Trump previously announced plans to nominate Kash Patel for the role.

Wray’s term as director was not set to end until 2027 but Trump has repeatedly said he would fire Wray, citing the agency’s involvement in executing a search warrant for classified documents at Mar-a-Lago. Trump has repeatedly referred to the incident as a raid.

“When you look at where the threats are headed, it’s clear that the importance of our work — keeping Americans safe and upholding the Constitution — will not change. And what absolutely cannot, must not change is our commitment to doing the right thing, the right way, every time. Our adherence to our core values, our dedication to independence and objectivity, and our defense of the rule of law — those fundamental aspects of who we are must never change,” Wray said. “That’s the real strength of the FBI — the importance of our mission, the quality of our people, and their dedication to service over self. It’s an unshakeable foundation that’s stood the test of time, and cannot be easily moved. And it — you, the men and women of the FBI — are why the Bureau will endure and remain successful long into the future.”

Wray has faced grilling from House Republicans who have accused him of politicizing the agency. Wray was himself appointed by Trump to replace former FBI Director James Comey, but Trump soured on him after the Justice Department began investigations into the former president after he left office. 

This is a developing story. Check back for more details.