Appointed by former Republican president Donald Trump, Wray was a frequent target of Trump's anger on issues such as Antifa and allegations of voter fraud and Russian government election interference.

Federal Bureau of Investigation directors are appointed for 10 years and Wray has six years left in his term.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki confirmed on Twitter that Biden "intends to keep FBI Director Wray on in his role and he has confidence in the job he is doing".

Psaki said she caused an "unintentional ripple" on Wednesday when she said she had not spoken to the president about Wray.

Biden's decision to retain Wray as FBI chief was welcomed by Adam Schiff, the Democrat who chairs the House Intelligence Committee and a critic of Trump's handling of intelligence issues.

"Christopher Wray became FBI director at a moment of tremendous turmoil for the bureau and the country, and he has served with great professionalism and integrity. I am glad to see that President Biden intends to keep Director Wray in his position," Schiff said.

Schiff said he looked forward to working with Wray on analyses of "intelligence and security failures that led to the January 6 assault on the Capitol and the need to dramatically expand the focus and resources devoted to the threat of domestic terrorism".

Australian Associated Press