President-elect Donald Trump has officially appointed Kash Patel, on Saturday evening, as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, making the announcement via Truth Social.
“I am proud to announce that Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Trump wrote.
He continued “Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people. He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.”
Trump praised Patel’s tenure during his first administration, where Patel held key positions, including Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
Trump continued, “Kash did an incredible job during my first term. He has also tried over 60 jury trials. This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.”
Patel’s nomination has drawn strong support from conservative leaders. Representative Byron Donalds (R-FL) supported the choice, stating, “Great choice by Donald Trump. Kash is a patriot and 100% America First.”
Similarly, Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk called Patel a “phenomenal choice” and congratulated him on the nomination.
The nomination, however, has not been without controversy. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe voiced strong opposition, claiming Patel’s leadership could return the FBI to a pre-Watergate era.
BREAKING REPORT: Former FBI official Andrew McCabe MELTS DOWN ON CNN about Trump's potential choice of Kash Patel for FBI Director….
— Chuck Callesto (@ChuckCallesto) December 1, 2024
THIS TELL YOU EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW…
"Consider what this nomination says about Trump's plans for the FBI," McCabe remarked…
The Golden… https://t.co/iUrQjLykqg pic.twitter.com/OrxqAPLnRe
“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 stated, warning that Trump could use the agency to further his political agenda.
Kash Patel has a distinguished career in both public service and the legal field. According to his Department of Defense profile, Patel began his career as a public defender, handling a wide array of complex cases, including murder, narco-trafficking, and financial crimes in state and federal courts.
During his time in the Trump administration, Patel was instrumental in overseeing high-priority missions, such as the elimination of ISIS and Al-Qaida leaders, including Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and Qasem al-Rimi. He also played a critical role in the safe return of several American hostages.
Patel’s supporters view him as a transformative figure who will restore the FBI’s reputation and effectiveness, while critics worry about the implications of his leadership for the agency’s independence. As the nation awaits his formal confirmation, Patel’s appointment marks another bold move by Trump as he prepares to shape his second term.