U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday night that Kashyap (Kash) Patel, former Defense Department chief of staff during his first term, will be appointed as the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social platform, praised Patel’s legal expertise and alignment with his “America First” agenda.
“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. The president-elect highlighted Patel’s key role in uncovering the Russia investigation, asserting his commitment to truth and accountability. Patel, who also served as Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, is described by Trump as a crucial figure in tackling rising crime, dismantling criminal gangs, and addressing border security.
Patel has long been a vocal critic of the FBI. In a podcast interview from September, he called for dismantling the agency’s Washington headquarters and repurposing it as a “museum of the Deep State.” He also mocked the FBI in relation to the 2022 search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, which resulted in charges for retaining classified documents, later dismissed by a judge.
A strong supporter of Israel, Patel has frequently praised its intelligence capabilities. In an interview following the “pager” operation in Lebanon, he commended Israeli military strategy, claiming Hamas must be “terrified” of Israel’s sophisticated planning. He has also been outspoken about the U.S. relationship with Iran, placing blame on President Biden for allowing Iran back into the international scene and accusing him of enabling Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He has vowed to stand by Israel against Iran and has made it clear he views them as a major US ally.
Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI could lead to a shift in leadership, as current FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, would need to step down for Patel to take over. Although Trump initially praised Wray’s qualifications, he has since become critical of the current FBI director.
Patel’s career has been marked by several controversial statements, including his intention to target politicians and journalists who oppose Trump. He has been viewed by some senior security officials as a divisive figure, known for his loyalty to Trump and perceived instability during his first term.