The nomination of Kashyap “Kash” Patel as Federal Bureau of Investigation director by US President-elect Trump has sparked strong reactions — supporters are cheering up for him while critics are in a panic.
The selection suggests significant transformations awaiting the agency under Trump’s second term. Patel, a loyal Trump supporter, has consistently criticised governmental misconduct and the alleged “deep state”, whilst openly condemning the bureau.
Trump’s statement praised Patel’s credentials: “Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People.”
During a September conversation on “The Shawn Ryan Show”, Patel commented on the FBI’s extensive reach, stating “I would shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one and reopen the next day as a museum of the Deep State.”
Trump’s relationship with the FBI has been contentious, following the 2022 raid of his Florida property and earlier investigations into alleged Russian connections. The nomination signals potential extensive reforms under the new leadership.
Republican representatives offered immediate support. Elise Stefanik lauded Patel as an “America First fighter”, whilst Byron Donalds expressed approval on X: “Great choice by @realDonaldTrump. Kash is a patriot and 100% America First.”
Opposition voices expressed concern. MSNBC’s Morning Joe previously described Patel as the “personification of MAGA rage about the Justice Department and the FBI.” Mehdi Hassan criticised Patel as a “deeply strange and alarming and sycophantic figure,” FOX News reported.
Former acting FBI director Andrew McCabe voiced concerns about disruption to the bureau, whilst The Atlantic’s Tom Nichols described the nomination as “as dangerous as it gets.”
On Saturday night, far-left commentator Mehdi Hassan accused Patel of being a “deeply strange and alarming and sycophantic figure.” Andrew McCabe, who briefly served as acting FBI director under Trump in 2017 before being fired for allegedly leaking to the media and a “lack of candor,” called Patel’s nomination “a plan to disrupt, to dismantle, to distract the FBI.”
“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 Federal Bureau of Investigation,” McCabe said on CNN. “The fact that Kash Patel is profoundly unqualified for this job is not even like a matter for debate.”
Patel’s appointment requires two conditions: Christopher Wray’s departure and Senate confirmation.
The FBI indicated Wray remains committed to his current role, with a spokesperson emphasising their ongoing mission to protect Americans.
“Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats … Director Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for,” an FBI spokesperson said.
