MAR-A-LAGO, Nov 21 – Former President Donald Trump is seriously considering Kash Patel, a staunch ally and controversial figure, to be the next FBI director. The decision comes amid ongoing interviews for key roles in Trump’s potential administration, conducted at his Mar-a-Lago estate on Monday night. Patel’s candidacy reflects Trump’s intent to overhaul the FBI and install loyalists in critical law enforcement positions, sources familiar with the matter said.
Trump’s Intent to Replace Christopher Wray
The interviews, which were inadvertently revealed by Vice President-elect JD Vance in a now-deleted social media post, highlight Trump’s determination to fire current FBI Director Christopher Wray well before his term ends. Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, has long been criticized by the former president for perceived disloyalty.
“When this 11th Circuit vote happened, I was meeting President Trump to interview multiple positions for our government, including for FBI director,” Vance wrote, addressing criticism for missing a Senate vote on a judicial nominee.
Kash Patel: A Polarizing Candidate
Patel, known for his loyalty to Trump and vocal criticism of the so-called “deep state,” has emerged as a top contender for the role. He has articulated plans to restructure the FBI, including dismantling safeguards designed to maintain its independence from the White House.
Patel’s prominence in Trump’s orbit stems from his work as an aide to Devin Nunes during the Russia investigation and his role as chief of staff to the defense secretary during Trump’s final months in office. Despite facing legal scrutiny for his involvement in Trump’s classified documents case, Patel maintained his loyalty, invoking the Fifth Amendment and testifying only after being granted limited immunity.
Opposition and Alternative Candidates
While Patel enjoys strong backing from some of Trump’s closest advisers, others within Trump’s circle prefer former House Intelligence Committee Chair Mike Rogers. Rogers, seen as a more traditional pick, has experience dealing with intelligence agencies and is viewed as a safer choice for Senate confirmation.
However, Trump appears more inclined toward Patel, showing little concern over Senate approval—a pattern evident in his controversial consideration of Matt Gaetz for attorney general and Pete Hegseth for defense secretary.
Implications of Patel’s Appointment
If Patel is not selected as FBI director, some advisers have floated the idea of appointing him as deputy director, a powerful role that does not require Senate confirmation. Patel’s potential appointment raises concerns about the future independence of the FBI, with critics warning of politicization and further erosion of public trust in the bureau.
Patel’s supporters argue that his loyalty and willingness to challenge established norms make him the right candidate to reform the FBI, which Trump has often criticized as biased against him.
As Trump prepares for a possible return to the presidency, the selection of an FBI director will likely be a key marker of his approach to law enforcement and national security in a second term.