Christopher Wray, the former FBI Director, is under the spotlight again. He’s been referred to the Department of Justice for a criminal investigation, and that’s no small potatoes. The Oversight Project, a watchdog group in D.C., says Wray lied to Congress and tried to block investigations into some pretty serious stuff involving the FBI.
The allegations involve the FBI’s handling of a memo that targeted Catholic Americans and another investigation about a Chinese mail-in voting scheme. Wray told Congress that the FBI didn’t label Catholics as potential domestic threats, but memos say otherwise. Some folks are even calling this perjury, and they’re not mincing words about the consequences.
This referral was submitted by the Oversight Project, part of the Heritage Foundation, a known conservative group. They pointed to Wray’s testimony about the “Richmond memo,” which dealt with monitoring certain Catholic communities for signs of extremism. The memo suggested using clergy and parish staff as informants, which raised quite a few eyebrows.
The memo came from the FBI’s Richmond Field Office and proposed watching online communities associated with the Traditional Latin Mass. It was brought to light by whistleblowers early in 2023, and the House Judiciary Committee jumped on it. The Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government also launched an investigation in February 2023.
During a July hearing, Wray admitted the memo existed but tried to downplay its significance. He said it was a single product from one field office and claimed he was shocked when he found out, ordering it withdrawn immediately. But the Oversight Project argues his statements were misleading, implying broader agency sentiment that wasn’t retracted promptly.
The second big issue involves counterfeit driver’s licenses supposedly linked to Chinese operatives during the 2020 election. Senator Chuck Grassley revealed in June 2025 that the FBI had intel on the Chinese Communist Party producing fake IDs. These IDs were allegedly meant for fraudulent mail-in voting to benefit Joe Biden.
Grassley claims the FBI buried this investigation, keeping it under wraps. The Oversight Project accuses Wray of misleading Congress about the FBI’s role in suppressing this probe. Their President, Mike Howell, told Fox News Digital that what Wray told Congress doesn’t match the facts, and they want officials to address it.
The FBI has insisted that the Richmond memo was inconsistent with its values and was retracted quickly. Wray also described the memo as “appalling,” trying to distance himself from it. This isn’t the first time Wray’s leadership has come under fire, especially regarding the 2020 election cycle.
People are comparing Wray to James Comey, suggesting he covered up significant events. Accusations include overseeing the 2020 election and covering up the January 6 events. Some even say Wray had the 2020 election server and Huma Abedin’s laptop, which adds fuel to the fire.
This is just the latest in a series of Republican-led efforts to investigate political bias and misconduct in the FBI. Wray’s referral to the DOJ is a big deal and adds to the scrutiny on his leadership. With all this unfolding, it’s clear that the calls for accountability aren’t going away anytime soon.
The Oversight Project’s actions reflect a broader sentiment among conservatives who feel the FBI needs to be held accountable. Their push for transparency and justice aligns with the values of past conservative leaders. It’s a reminder of the ongoing battle against perceived corruption in federal agencies.
The controversy surrounding Wray and the FBI highlights the deep distrust some Americans feel towards these institutions. It’s a sentiment that resonates with many conservatives who believe in upholding traditional values. The Oversight Project’s referral is a step towards seeking truth and justice.
As more details emerge, the implications of this investigation could be significant. The political landscape is already charged, and this only adds to the tension. Conservatives are watching closely, hoping for a resolution that aligns with their principles.
The situation is a testament to the enduring influence of conservative watchdog groups. Their role in holding government officials accountable is crucial in maintaining a balance of power. It’s a reminder that vigilance is necessary to protect the integrity of democratic institutions.
The future of this investigation remains uncertain, but the stakes are high. The outcomes could have lasting impacts on the FBI and its leadership. As the story unfolds, the call for accountability rings louder than ever.