Donald Trump, the Republican President-elect, has made it clear that he wants big changes at the FBI. On Saturday, he announced his pick to lead the agency: Kash Patel, a loyal ally and former national security official. This decision signals Trump’s plan to replace the current FBI director, Christopher Wray, who still has three years left in his 10-year term.
Patel isn’t new to controversy. During Trump’s first term, he worked closely with top intelligence and defense officials. He’s been outspoken about his issues with the FBI, particularly its intelligence-gathering operations. In a September interview on the conservative Shawn Ryan Show, Patel laid out his vision for the FBI: break up its intelligence unit, close the Hoover Building in Washington, D.C., and transform it into a “museum of the deep state.” He also suggested sending thousands of FBI employees out across the country to focus on chasing criminals.
Trump’s choice of Patel makes it clear he’s not interested in sticking with the status quo. Wray, whom Trump appointed in 2017 after firing James Comey, has been a frequent target of criticism from Trump and his supporters. They’ve especially taken issue with Wray’s leadership during key investigations, including the FBI’s search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home for classified documents and its involvement in other politically sensitive cases.
While the FBI hasn’t commented directly on Patel’s nomination, a spokesperson emphasized the bureau’s commitment to protecting Americans from threats. Wray himself hasn’t shown any signs of stepping down early, with plans extending well into 2025.
Patel, 44, has a diverse background. He’s worked as a federal public defender, a prosecutor, and as an aide to Devin Nunes, the former Republican chair of the House Intelligence Committee. Patel played a major role in scrutinizing the FBI’s 2016 investigation into Trump’s campaign and its ties to Russia. His past also includes some controversy, with accusations during Trump’s first impeachment trial that Patel was acting as an unofficial link between Trump and Ukraine—a claim he denied.
Since Trump left office, Patel has stayed close to him, even being named as a representative for access to Trump’s presidential records. Patel has repeatedly defended Trump, even claiming, without evidence, that all the classified documents Trump kept were declassified. Now, Patel’s book Government Gangsters, which Trump has praised, is being described as a blueprint for dismantling the so-called “deep state.”
Patel’s nomination is expected to face fierce opposition in the Senate, including from some Republicans. However, he’s already gained support from figures like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Trump isn’t stopping with Patel. He’s also named Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, as his pick to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Chronister would work closely with Trump’s choice for Attorney General, Pam Bondi, also from the Tampa area. Trump praised Chronister as someone who could tackle major issues like stopping the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.
These nominations show Trump’s intent to shake up the system in a big way, setting the stage for what could be a dramatic start to his second term. The Senate confirmation process will likely be the next big battleground.
