President-elect Donald Trump has selected Kash Patel, a former aide, to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation, an agency Patel has frequently criticized.
Patel, who served as the chief of staff for the US Department of Defence during the initial Trump administration, has consistently backed the newly elected Republican president.
For Patel to assume the role, it would require the resignation or dismissal of the current FBI director, Christopher Wray. In his recent statement, Trump did not explicitly urge Wray to step down.
In a separate announcement, Trump revealed his intention to nominate Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County in Florida, to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Patel and Chronister are set to accompany Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi as part of Trump’s selections for law enforcement positions.
On Saturday, Trump revealed his decision to appoint Charles Kushner as the ambassador to France.
Mr. Kushner, a prominent figure in real estate development, is also known as the father of Jared Kushner, who is married to his daughter, Ivanka Trump.
The nomination marks the first official administration role that Trump has extended to a family member since his re-election.
A majority vote in the US Senate will be required to confirm all three choices.
Patel, a staunch supporter of Trump, aligns with the president-elect’s skepticism towards government institutions.
In a recent post on Truth Social, Trump praised Kash Patel, describing him as a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter.” He highlighted Patel’s career dedicated to exposing corruption, defending justice, and safeguarding the American populace, further noting his role as “an advocate for truth, accountability, and the constitution.”
His previous proposals have suggested a significant reduction in the authority of the FBI. In his memoir, Government Gangsters, Patel advocates for eliminating “government tyranny” within the FBI, suggesting that the solution lies in dismissing “the top ranks.”
Patel is set to take over the position of FBI director from Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 for a decade-long term.
Wray’s relationship with the president-elect soured following the FBI’s involvement in a federal investigation concerning Trump’s management of classified documents, a case that has now been dismissed.
In a statement released after Trump’s announcement, the FBI emphasized, “Every day, the men and women of the FBI continue to work to protect Americans from a growing array of threats.”
“Director Wray emphasizes the importance of the dedicated men and women of the FBI, highlighting both the colleagues with whom they collaborate and the communities they serve.”
Patel, the son of an Indian immigrant, has a background as a former defense lawyer and federal prosecutor. His prominence rose in 2017 when he took on the role of senior counsel to the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee, ultimately attracting Trump’s attention.
In 2019, he was brought on board by Trump to serve as a national security aide, and the following year, he ascended to the position of chief of staff for the head of the Pentagon.
In addition to his memoir, released in 2023, he has authored two children’s books supporting Trump.
The Plot Against the King presents a narrative where the antagonist, Hillary Queenton, seeks to overthrow King Donald with the assistance of a wizard known as Kash the Distinguished Discoverer.
The character, {Keeper Komey, appears to be a thinly veiled allusion to former FBI Director James Comey, accompanied by his so-called “spying slugs,” as noted in the book’s blurb.
Patel has frequently criticized what is referred to as the “deep state,” a concept embraced by some Americans who view it as an unelected bureaucratic entity that covertly governs the nation with ulterior motives.
Patel has sharply criticized the media, labeling it “the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen.”
He serves on the board of Trump Media and Technology Group, the company behind the incoming president’s social media platform, Truth Social.
Patel has been linked to a consulting contract with the company, which compensated him with a minimum of $120,000 annually.
Chronister brings a substantial background in law enforcement to the table.
With 32 years of experience in law enforcement in Florida, he has held the position of the top law enforcement officer in Hillsborough County since 2017, as detailed in his official biography.
In a recent social media post, Trump commended Chronister’s extensive experience while emphasizing his ongoing commitment to addressing issues related to drugs and the United States border.
In a statement, Trump emphasized the collaborative efforts of DEA Administrator Chad and Attorney General Pam Bondi in addressing critical issues at the southern border. Their focus will be on curbing the influx of fentanyl and other illegal substances, with the overarching goal of saving lives.
In a post on social media, Chronister expressed that receiving a nomination from Trump was “the honor of a lifetime.”
“This opportunity to serve our nation fills me with a profound humility.”
