FBI Director Kash Patel requested a direct communication line from both his home and FBI office to Trump—bypassing Attorney General Pam Bondi and sidestepping the traditional chain of command.
According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, Patel’s first priority after assuming leadership of the FBI was securing a direct connection to President Trump.
How FBI Directors usually get in touch with the President
This move marks a sharp departure from long-standing protocol, as previous FBI directors have historically maintained an arm’s-length relationship with the White House to uphold the agency’s independence.
However, under Trump’s leadership, Patel is taking a different approach—one that ensures the FBI is closely aligned with the administration’s priorities rather than operating as an independent entity perceived by some as a deep-state institution.
The Journal reported that Patel’s insistence on direct communication with Trump represents a shift from the traditional structure, where the FBI director typically reports to the deputy attorney general, and the president communicates primarily with the attorney general.
This change is just one example of how administration officials, including Patel and senior members of the Justice Department, have deferred to Trump and his deputy chief of staff, Stephen Miller, since taking office. Miller has frequently been in contact with top Justice Department officials regarding FBI operations, the report added.
In a further sign of White House influence, Patel had initially intended to keep longtime FBI agent and supervisor Robert Kissane as his deputy, according to sources familiar with the discussions. However, that plan was abandoned in favor of Trump’s preferred choice, conservative commentator Dan Bongino.
Miller also exerted influence over the Justice Department’s operations, reportedly pressuring then-acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove in late-night calls to push the FBI to take a more aggressive stance in enforcing Trump’s immigration policies.
Bove, who has since risen to a more senior position, also ordered prosecutors to drop the bribery case against New York Mayor Eric Adams. The reasoning, according to the report, was that the case might hinder Adams’ ability to support Trump’s initiatives on illegal immigration and crime reduction.
In another unconventional move, Patel has reportedly inquired about hiring his own private security detail, separate from the FBI’s standard protective services.
According to sources familiar with the request, Patel’s concerns stem from a lack of trust in the agency’s existing personnel, further highlighting tensions within the FBI.
While the FBI has not officially commented on these developments, the moves by Patel have raised questions about the level of independence the bureau will maintain under his leadership.
Some officials worry that a closer alignment with the White House could compromise the FBI’s traditional role as an apolitical law enforcement agency.