President-elect Donald Trump has ruled out Mike Rogers as a candidate to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation in his upcoming administration.
Despite discussions and meetings, Rogers will not be considered for the FBI director position under Trump's guidance, as confirmed by Dan Scavino, Fox News reported.
Dan Scavino, a close ally of Trump, took to social media on Friday to clarify that the former congressman will not head the FBI. Rogers, the 2024 Republican Senate nominee in Michigan who lost a contentious race last week, had previously met with Trump and his transition team at Mar-a-Lago.
Brian Hughes, the Trump transition spokesman, has refrained from offering specifics on Scavino’s announcement. Hughes stated, "For transition, we don't speculate on selections and don't get ahead of official announcements from President Trump."
Rogers, a former Republican representative and key player in politics, expressed his views on the need for reform within the FBI. Noting a need for cultural change, particularly on the agency's seventh floor, Rogers brought these concerns to discussions with Trump's team.
The President-elect has a history with the Bureau, having appointed Christopher Wray during his first term. Wray now faces potential dismissal by Trump, who has been vocally critical of the FBI leadership, accusing it of political bias and incompetence.
This is not Rogers' first brush with the possibility of leading the FBI. In 2017, after James Comey was removed from the position, Rogers was interviewed for the role but was ultimately passed over in favor of Wray.
Scavino’s unequivocal announcement addressed speculation about Rogers' prospects with the FBI. He shared on social media, "‘I have never even given it a thought.’ Not happening," quoting President Trump on the matter.
"Just spoke to President Trump regarding Mike Rogers going to the FBI. It’s not happening — In his own words, ‘I have never even given it a thought.’ Not happening." — Dan Scavino
Aside from Rogers, other candidates are being considered for the role of FBI director. Among those speculated about in the media is Kash Patel, another figure close to Trump's circle.
The Department of Justice has not weighed in on these revelations, choosing instead not to comment on Scavino's recent statements concerning the decision about Rogers.
Rogers’ campaign in Michigan may have affected perceptions about his suitability for the position. Nonetheless, his loss in the Senate race and previous FBI interactions shape the narrative of his political journey.
Amidst these developments, Mike Rogers has maintained his stance regarding the FBI's internal culture, emphasizing a need for change. With his recent Senate bid concluded, his future in the political sphere remains a subject of interest.
Trump's focus now turns to finding a replacement for Wray, marking another chapter in his contentious relationship with the Bureau. His aim to restructure the FBI and address its perceived shortcomings remains a dominant theme.
As the process moves forward, close attention will be paid to who ultimately fills the role of FBI director. Trump's decision-making draws both scrutiny and anticipation as his administration prepares to make further appointments.
