President Trump’s FBI Director Nominee Pledges to End Government Targeting of Americans Based on Religious Beliefs
President Trump’s FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, has pledged to end the “targeting” of Americans by the government, specifically those who were in the crosshairs of the Biden administration for religious reasons. During his confirmation hearing, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., asked Patel if it was appropriate for the FBI to attempt to recruit spies or informants into religious institutions, particularly Catholic parishes.
Patel responded, “I don’t believe so, senator.” He also acknowledged being familiar with a memo that listed Catholic churches and parishes as potentially suspect and directed the recruitment of informants and spies into those parishes.
Hawley asked Patel to commit to withdrawing the memo and making it clear that it is an absolute violation of the First Amendment. Patel replied, “If I’m confirmed, Senator, yes.” He also committed to conducting an investigation into who wrote the memo and who spread it, as well as holding those accountable who violated the sacred trust placed in them at the FBI.
Hawley expressed his outrage over the memo, saying that it is a “gross abuse of Americans’ First Amendment rights” and that the FBI’s actions are “unimaginable.” He also mentioned that the FBI’s predecessor had repeatedly lied to the committee about the memo.
Patel committed to investigating any matters such as this and holding those accountable who violated the trust placed in them at the FBI. He also pledged to fully utilize the investigative powers of the FBI to give the information required and to hold those accountable who violated the sacred trust.
The exchange comes on the heels of Trump’s recent announcement that he would pardon pro-life activists convicted under the FACE Act during President Joe Biden’s administration.
