David Zimmermann writes for National Review Online about President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to lead the FBI.
President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday night he has chosen loyalist Kash Patel to be the next FBI director, aiming to replace Christopher Wray before his ten-year term expires in 2027.
“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 posted on Truth Social. “He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.”
Patel has called for the firing of top bureau leaders and the prosecution of agents he believes abused their authority during the Biden administration, particularly relating to the treatment of Trump and conservatives.
“The agents and lawyers who think they can hide in the shadows while abusing their positions will be put on immediate notice,” Patel wrote in his 2023 book, Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy. Trump said the plan was a “brilliant road map” for his second term.
Given his hardline views and fierce loyalty to Trump, Patel could face challenges when his nomination comes before the GOP-controlled Senate in the next session. While Republicans will hold 53 seats to Democrats’ 47, Patel can’t afford to lose many Republicans presuming all Democrats oppose him.
The nomination of Patel is only the latest contentious pick by Trump in the wake of Matt Gaetz’s short-lived drive to become U.S. attorney general. Gaetz resigned from the House and withdrew his name for the position amid allegations of sexual misconduct that have yet to be fully reported by a congressional committee. Despite his reelection victory, Gaetz will not be returning to Congress come January.
Patel previously served as chief of staff at the Department of Defense and senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, Trump noted.
