Trump Picks Kash Patel To Head The FBI: Report
President-elect Donald Trump has named his choice for FBI director, igniting outrage among his critics.
On Saturday, Trump announced via his Truth Social account that he plans to appoint Kash Patel as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“I am proud to announce that Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people,” Trump wrote.
“He was instrumental in exposing the Russia hoax and has been a steadfast advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. During my first term, Kash excelled in key roles, including Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials. Under his leadership, the FBI will tackle the crime epidemic, dismantle criminal migrant gangs, and combat human and drug trafficking. Working alongside our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, he will restore Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.”
However, a significant hurdle to Patel’s appointment remains: current FBI Director Christopher Wray, who still has three years left in his 10-year term. Wray, who was appointed by Trump to replace former FBI Director James Comey, would need to resign or be removed for Patel to assume the role.
Patel’s past statements have unsettled Washington insiders and critics of the Trump administration. On The Shawn Ryan Show, he remarked that “The FBI’s footprint has gotten so freakin’ big.” In 2023, speaking on Steve Bannon’s War Room podcast, Patel asserted that a second Trump term would target those he called “conspirators” within government and media.
“We’ve got to put in all-American patriots top to bottom,” Patel said of the Department of Justice. He also promised to “find the conspirators, not just in government but in the media,” adding, “Yes, we’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens and helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections.”
The announcement drew sharp criticism.
“Do not normalize Trump. He is an enemy of this country. This latest pick only confirms it,” former Republican Congressman Joe Walsh posted on X. “Biden & Harris must not go to his inauguration. Everyone must speak out. Trump is trying to destroy this country. This is not normal. Time to resist. It’s past time.”
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe expressed his dismay on CNN.
“It’s a terrible development for the men and women of the FBI and the nation that relies on a professional, independent bureau,” McCabe said. “Kash Patel is profoundly unqualified for this job. This choice signals Trump’s intent to reshape the FBI into a political tool.”
Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) weighed in on X, suggesting the Senate would carefully scrutinize Patel’s qualifications.
“Kash Patel will be another test of the Senate’s power of advice and consent. Patel needs to prove to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has the right qualifications and, despite his past statements, will prioritize public safety over a political agenda focused on retribution,” Coons said.
As Trump moves forward with his vision for the FBI, the battle over Patel’s nomination promises to be a defining test of his presidency’s direction and the Senate’s willingness to push back.