President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kash Patel, a highly credentialed aid, as his choice for the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Patel would be taking the reins of an FBI marred by scandals and accusations of bias. As the next FBI director, Patel would be tasked with combating the FBI’s targeting of traditional Catholics, as well as curing the agency of its corruption and abuse.
The FBI has been guilty of spycraft operations against law-abiding individuals, including Catholics, raising concerns about the agency’s commitment to upholding its mission. The Durham Report, released in 2019, found that the FBI had failed to “uphold their mission of strict fidelity to the law.” Furthermore, the controversy surrounding the raid on Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate serves as a testament to the FBI’s disregard for protocol and fairness, particularly in its treatment of political targets.
Patel’s leadership would bring needed change to the FBI by introducing an element of accountability and a commitment to doing what is right. Without fear or favor, he would put an end to the political investigations and political targeting, and instead use the power of the agency to serve and protect, not to wield against those exercising their beliefs and political interests.
There is every indication that Patel intends to adhere to his commitment to using the agency’s power solely for its intended purpose and to root out corruption wherever it is found. Only time will tell if such a plan can help put the country on the road to healing and restore confidence in an institution that once enjoyed trust and respect but has in recent years has become tarnished by abuses of power.
