President-elect Trump’s Nomination of Kash Patel as FBI Director Sparks Strong Reactions
President-elect Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel as the next FBI director has evoked strong reactions from both supporters and critics. Patel, a staunch supporter of Trump, is a fierce critic of government corruption and the “deep state,” and has blasted the FBI in the past.
Patel’s nomination hints at massive changes the agency will likely undergo during the second Trump administration. In a September interview, Patel said the FBI’s footprint “has gotten so frickin’ big” and suggested shutting down the Hoover Building and reopening it as a museum of the deep state.
Trump praised Patel as a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter” who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people. Patel was instrumental in uncovering the Russia hoax and has been a strong advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.
Conservatives praised the pick, with Rep. Elise Stefanik calling Patel an “America First fighter” and Rep. Byron Donalds calling him a “patriot and 100% America First.” Rep. Ronny Jackson also congratulated Trump on the nomination, saying Patel was instrumental in the president’s first term and will be even greater in his second.
However, commentators on the left panned the pick, with MSNBC’s Morning Joe calling Patel the “personification of MAGA rage about the Justice Department and the FBI.” Far-left commentator Mehdi Hasan accused Patel of being a “deeply strange and alarming and sycophantic figure.” Former acting FBI director Andrew McCabe called Patel’s nomination a “plan to disrupt, to dismantle, to distract the FBI.”
The nomination is subject to two conditions: Current FBI Director Christopher Wray must resign or be fired, and Patel must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Wray has not signaled an intent to resign, and the FBI spokesperson said he is focused on his work at hand.
Tom Nichols, a staff writer for The Atlantic, called Patel’s nomination “an incredibly dangerous development” and said it was “as dangerous as it gets.” Two conditions will need to be met for Patel to take office.