Biden’s National Security Adviser Avoids Comment on Trump’s Pick for FBI Director
Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser under President Biden, declined to comment on President-elect Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI, despite being listed as a member of the “deep state” in Patel’s book “Government Gangsters.” When asked about Patel’s book, which lists Sullivan among others as part of the “deep state,” Sullivan brushed off the question and focused on his remaining days in office before Trump’s inauguration.
“I wake up every day to try to defend this country and protect the national interest. I got 50 days left. I’m going to stay totally focused on every single one of those days to make sure that we have a smooth handoff to the next team, and we put them in the best strategic position possible. And I can’t spend my time worrying about other things at this point,” Sullivan said.
Trump named Patel as his pick for FBI chief on Saturday, sparking both enthusiasm and anxiety. Patel’s book details the state of the FBI and includes an alphabetical list of alleged “deep state” members, which includes Sullivan, Attorney General Merrick Garland, Vice President Kamala Harris, and FBI Director Christopher Wray.
Sullivan instead praised Wray’s work as FBI chief, saying “We inherited Director Chris Wray, who has done a very good job in the role, from President-elect Trump, who appointed him to a 10-year term.” He noted that the FBI director’s position is intended to be insulated from politics, a tradition that Biden has scrupulously adhered to.
Patel’s nomination is subject to Senate confirmation, and Wray would need to resign or be fired from the FBI in order for Patel to assume the position.
