Republican President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Kash Patel, a former National Security official and staunch ally, to lead the FBI. The move underscores Trump's plan to replace the bureau's current director, Christopher Wray, well before the latter's 10-year term expires in 2027.
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Patel, who served as an advisor to both the director of national intelligence and the secretary of defense during Trump’s first term, has been a vocal critic of the FBI's intelligence-gathering functions. He has previously advocated for dismantling these roles and reassigning FBI personnel.
In a September interview on the conservative Shawn Ryan Show, Patel stated:
"The biggest problem the FBI has comes from its intel shops. I'd break that component out, shut down the Hoover Building on day one, and reopen it as a museum of the deep state. I'd send the 7,000 employees there across the country to chase criminals. Go be cops—you’re cops, so go be cops."
Trump's decision to nominate Patel aligns with his repeated threats to remove Wray, a Republican he appointed in 2017 to replace James Comey. Wray has drawn criticism from Trump and his supporters, particularly over the FBI’s role in executing a court-approved search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate to recover classified documents.
When asked about Patel's potential nomination, an FBI spokesperson responded:
"Every day, the men and women of the FBI work tirelessly to protect Americans from an increasing array of threats. Director Wray remains focused on supporting the bureau’s mission, its personnel, and the people we serve."
Wray, who has given no indication of resigning early, continues to plan bureau activities well into 2025, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The appointment of an FBI director is subject to Senate confirmation. Federal law mandates a 10-year term for directors to maintain independence from political influences, but Trump’s move highlights his intent to reshape the FBI.
This announcement also comes amid heightened legal tensions for Trump. Special Counsel Jack Smith, who led two federal prosecutions against Trump for his efforts to overturn the 2020 election and retain classified documents, recently requested the dismissal of those cases ahead of Trump’s inauguration on January 20, citing Justice Department guidelines that bar prosecuting a sitting president.
Trump’s push for Patel’s leadership could signify sweeping changes for the FBI and its operational focus in the coming administration.
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