Kash Patel top choice to be Trump’s FBI or Justice Department pick: Report

Donald Trump is weighing to push for his controversial adviser Kash Patel, an Indian-origin former Republican House staffer, to head the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as a clear indication of his vow to fire the incumbent Director Christopher Wray before his 10-year term with the agency completes and replace him with one of his MAGA (Make America Great Again) campaign loyalists, The Guardian reported, while citing two sources familiar with the matter.
Trump’s transition team is conducting interviews for the role on Monday night at his Mar-a-Lago club in Florida. This came after US Vice President-elect JD Vance, in a now-deleted social media post, revealed that he and the President-elect had been interviewing candidates for the role of FBI Director.
Simultaneously, Patel’s name is also under consideration for a high-profile position at the US Justice Department, top transition sources told Axios.
The interest in Patel, following the selection of John Ratcliffe as CIA director and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, reflects the US President-elect’s urge to appoint allies to key roles in law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
Trump’s interest in the FBI has long been evident. In 2017, he fired James Comey as director, citing Comey’s refusal to shut down an investigation into possible ties between Trump’s campaign and Russia. Since then, Trump has frequently expressed frustration over what he sees as disloyalty within the bureau, including from its current director, Christopher Wray.
Patel, a former aide to Representative Devin Nunes and a key figure in Trump’s circle, has gained significant support among Trump’s allies, strengthening his prospects for key roles.
Known for his aggressive self-promotion and outspoken criticism of the so-called deep state, Patel has become a prominent candidate for high-ranking roles in law enforcement and national security.
While his name is being considered to lead the FBI, speculations were running high that Patel may get the role of CIA director in the past. However, the position went to John Ratcliffe, another Trump loyalist.
Patel’s loyalty was on display during the criminal investigation into Trump’s handling of classified documents. Initially, he refused to testify before a federal grand jury in Washington, invoking his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
He eventually testified only after then-Chief US District Judge Beryl Howell granted him limited immunity at the Justice Department’s request.