Trump tweeted that his choice, lawyer Christopher Wray, is "a man of impeccable credentials."
Wray emerged from a list of former prosecutors, politicians and law enforcement officials interviewed by Trump since the president fired FBI Director James Comey last month.
Wray works at the King & Spalding law firm.
He represented New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie during the investigation into the George Washington Bridge lane-closing case.
Two former Christie aides were convicted of plotting to close bridge lanes to punish a Democratic mayor who wouldn't endorse the Republican governor.
Wray worked for the Justice Department under President George W. Bush.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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