President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel as FBI Director has gotten huge criticism from left-leaning commentators and former law enforcement officials, who claim the move could undermine the bureau’s independence and operational stability.
MSNBC political analyst Tim Miller called Patel “the most dangerous nominee that we’ve seen yet to our democracy,” arguing that his leadership could erode critical safeguards designed to maintain the FBI’s impartiality.
Tim Miller says Kash Patel "is the most dangerous nominee" too our Democracy "yet" pic.twitter.com/WCJ0V1BYCu
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) December 1, 2024
Echoing these sentiments, commentator Tom Nichols described the nomination as both “preposterous and extraordinarily dangerous.”
Tom Nichols: “When it comes to the danger to our democracy, Patel is about as dangerous as it gets.”pic.twitter.com/nmIdy0Hymx
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) December 1, 2024
Former FBI Assistant Director for Counterterrorism Frank Figliuzzi also voiced concerns over Patel’s plans to reduce the FBI headquarters’ workforce by 7,000 employees, a move Patel believes would streamline operations and shift resources to field offices. Figliuzzi labeled the proposal “ignorant,” warning that it could diminish the FBI’s global intelligence capabilities.
Frank Figliuzzi on Kash Patel:
— M101 News (@M101NewsOrg) December 1, 2024
"This so-called axe he has to grind is really Donald Trump's axe, and he seems quite willing to wield it in whatever direction." pic.twitter.com/cZQqGR5Z2w
“If he does want to empty out headquarters and send people to the field and lose that global capacity and view, we’re talking about making America less safe, not more safe,” Figliuzzi argued during a segment on MSNBC.
Figliuzzi further cautioned that Trump, working through Patel, could interfere with FBI field office operations and appoint partisan attorneys across the country.
Such actions, he claimed, could lead to “a total hijacking of the federal law enforcement system,” potentially redirecting the FBI’s focus to target Trump’s political adversaries instead of addressing broader issues like gang violence or corruption.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe also criticized the nomination, comparing Patel’s potential leadership to the bureau’s controversial “pre-Watergate” era.
The fact that Andrew McCabe feels Kash Patel as FBI Director would “disrupt,” “dismantle,” & “distract” the FBI
— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) December 1, 2024
speaks volumes that Kash is a good pick.
Let me remind you that McCabe signed off on the phony FISA warrant to surveil Trump adviser Carter Page. pic.twitter.com/EA6YGNVHye
“It’s a terrible development for the men and women of the FBI and also for the nation that depends on a highly functioning, professional, independent FBI,” McCabe said. He suggested that under Patel, the FBI could become an instrument for Trump’s political agenda rather than an impartial agency.
Despite the criticism, Patel’s extensive government experience could bolster his case for the role. He previously served in high-profile positions during Trump’s first administration, including as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
Patel, a former trial attorney, has also tried over 60 jury cases—a credential Trump emphasized when announcing the nomination.
Trump has positioned Patel’s appointment as part of a broader effort to reform the FBI. In his announcement, the president-elect outlined an ambitious agenda, stating the bureau under Patel would “end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border.”
Trump also highlighted Patel’s alignment with Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi, noting their shared commitment to restoring the FBI’s core values: fidelity, bravery, and integrity.
While Patel’s nomination promises sweeping reforms, it has ignited fierce debate over the future role of the FBI and its independence under the incoming administration.