President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Kash Patel to lead the FBI, filling one of the last remaining presidentially appointed positions just two months before his inauguration.
In a post on Truth Social Saturday night, Trump praised Patel as “a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ advocate” who has spent his career fighting corruption, defending justice, and safeguarding the American people.
“He was instrumental in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing strong for truth, accountability, and the Constitution,” Trump wrote. “This FBI will tackle the rising crime wave in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and combat the scourge of human and drug trafficking at the Border. Kash will work alongside our exceptional Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to restore the values of Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the Bureau.”
Patel, a former public defender and Justice Department attorney in the national security division, brings extensive experience to the role, having also held multiple positions related to intelligence and national security during Trump’s first term.
He has long been seen as a leading figure within the MAGA movement, with supporters hopeful that his leadership can reform the FBI and address concerns about its perceived targeting of conservatives during the Trump administration.
Highlights of Kash Patel:
Per NBC News:
President-elect Donald Trump announced Saturday he would pick Kash Patel, the former chief of staff to to the acting secretary of defense during the first Trump administration, to serve as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“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 wrote in a post to Truth Social, arguing Patel would “bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.”
Patel, who will have to earn Senate confirmation to become FBI director, has earned a reputation as the ultimate Trump loyalist who has called for a purge of perceived enemies in the FBI, Justice Department and intelligence agencies.