U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has named Kash Patel, a former Defence Department chief of staff and loyal supporter, as his pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel has frequently criticized the agency, aligning with Trump’s skepticism of federal institutions.
For Patel to assume the role, current FBI Director Christopher Wray would need to resign or be removed, though Trump has not explicitly called for Wray’s departure in his announcement.
In addition, Trump has announced plans to nominate Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister as the new head of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Both Patel and Chronister join former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump’s pick for U.S. Attorney General, as key selections for law enforcement leadership roles.
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On the diplomatic front, Trump revealed his choice of Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of his son-in-law Jared Kushner, to serve as the U.S. ambassador to France. This marks the first known instance of Trump formally offering a senior administration role to a relative during his second term preparations.
Each of these nominations, including Patel, Chronister, and Kushner, will require Senate confirmation to take effect.
Patel’s selection underscores Trump’s preference for allies who share his critical stance on government agencies. His tenure could signal a shift in FBI operations under the new administration.
“Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people,” Trump posted on Truth Social, his social media platform, adding that Patel was “an advocate for truth, accountability, and the constitution”.
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Kash Patel, the controversial figure tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the FBI, has long called for sweeping changes to the agency, including “dramatically” limiting its authority. In his memoir Government Gangsters, Patel advocated for eradicating what he described as “government tyranny” within the FBI by firing its “top ranks.”
If confirmed, Patel would succeed Christopher Wray, whom Trump appointed as FBI director in 2017 to a 10-year term. However, Wray fell out of favour with Trump after the FBI supported a federal investigation into the handling of classified records at Trump’s Florida estate—a case later dropped.
In response to Trump’s announcement, the FBI issued a statement emphasizing its ongoing mission:
“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.”
Patel, the son of Indian immigrants, has a diverse background as a defence lawyer, federal prosecutor, and national security aide. He first caught Trump’s attention as senior counsel to the House Intelligence Committee in 2017. By 2019, Patel had joined Trump’s administration as a national security aide, and in 2020, he became chief of staff to the Secretary of Defence.
Patel’s influence extends beyond government. In addition to his 2023 memoir, he has authored two pro-Trump children’s books. One, titled The Plot Against the King, casts a villain named Hillary Queenton attempting to overthrow “King Donald,” aided by Patel’s fictional alter ego, Kash the Distinguished Discoverer. Another character, Keeper Komey, represents former FBI Director James Comey, described as leading “spying slugs.”
An outspoken critic of the so-called “deep state,” which some conspiracy theorists claim secretly controls the U.S. government, Patel has also been sharply critical of the media, labelling it “the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen.”
Patel’s financial ties to Trump’s businesses also draw attention. He serves on the board of Trump Media and Technology Group, the parent company of Truth Social, and reportedly earned at least $120,000 annually through a consulting contract with the organization.
Patel’s selection signals a bold shift in Trump’s approach to the FBI and is likely to ignite intense political debate as the Senate considers his confirmation.
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