President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated Kash Patel for his FBI director post. The 44-year-old, a vocal Trump loyalist, is expected to succeed incumbent Christopher Wray. However, the position requires a Senate confirmation – which means Patel will need a majority of lawmakers in the upper house to back him.
"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 in a post on Truth Social. The president-elect further praised Patel's contributions during his first term.
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Kash Patel vs Senate: Trump’s FBI Pick Faces The Matt Gaetz Effect
Current FBI Director Christopher Wray was appointed by Trump in 2017 on a 10-year term. However, the 57-year-old is expected to resign or be fired early next year. Patel, who is likely to succeed him, worked as an aide to former Rep Devin Nunes to probe the Russian-involvement in governance. He was also asenior advisor to the acting Director of National Intelligence and chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense during the first Donald Trump administration.
“Kash Patel was my deputy Director of National Intelligence when I was Acting. I can’t tell you how many people said to me ‘wow.’ He’s nothing like the media portrays him. I love him,” his former boss Ric Grenell posted on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.
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Former deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe, called Patel unqualified. “Andrew McCabe was part of the deep state plot to take down President Trump. If he’s freaking out like this on CNN about Kash Patel being FBI Director, then Trump made the perfect pick,” influencer Robby Starbuck posted on social media with the clip McCabe.
Here is summary of Kash Patel's backers and opposers:
Supporters:
1) MAGA: Patel is popular among Trump’s MAGA supporters – for his loyalty to the president-elect and previous work exposing what they consider to be biased government actions.
2) Trump Allies:
Ric Grenell (former Acting DNI): Called Patel "nothing like the media portrays him" and expressed support for his leadership.
Tim Pool (pundit): Praised Patel’s calls for FBI reforms, particularly highlighting his criticism of the "two-tiered system of justice."
3) Republican Senators:
Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.): Hoped Patel could bring transparency and accountability to the FBI, including investigating figures like Jeffrey Epstein.
Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa): Questioned whether Patel could restore public trust in the FBI but acknowledged the need for reform.
Opposers:
1) Critics on the Left:
Andrew McCabe (Former FBI Deputy Director): Criticized Patel as unqualified for the position, arguing that he lacks the experience and neutrality needed for the role.
John Bolton (Former National Security Adviser): Compared Patel’s potential appointment to that of a notorious Stalin-era figure, warning it would politicize the FBI.
Other Republican Figures:
Bill Barr (Former Attorney General): Criticized Patel’s qualifications, especially questioning his ability to command respect in a position that requires expertise in law enforcement.
Tim Miller (Political strategist): Called Patel “the most dangerous nominee” to American democracy due to his close ties to Trump.