President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kashyap “Kash” Patel, a lawyer and former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, as his nominee for FBI Director.
Trump’s announcement on November 30th described Patel as “a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter” who has dedicated his career to combating corruption, upholding justice, and protecting Americans. Trump credited Patel with a key role in exposing what he termed the “Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax,” praising his advocacy for truth, accountability, and the Constitution.
If confirmed, the 44-year-old Patel would succeed FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017. Wray’s term extends for another three years, necessitating either his resignation or dismissal for Patel to assume the directorship. Senate confirmation, now under Republican control, is also required.
On December 1st, Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) tweeted that Wray had failed in his fundamental duties as FBI Director and that a new direction emphasizing transparency and accountability was needed. He added that Patel must demonstrate to Congress his commitment to reforming and restoring public trust in the FBI.
Trump’s interest in the FBI and its director stems from the agency’s investigation into potential ties between his 2016 campaign and Russian interference. Patel’s nomination suggests a preference for a director exhibiting strong loyalty to Trump.
This profile provides further insight into Patel’s background and his nomination to lead America’s primary law enforcement agency.
Patel’s Record Within the Trump Administration
Before his Washington service, Patel practiced law as a public defender in Miami, joining the Justice Department in 2014. During Trump’s first term, he served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
Patel also served as Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller and as an aide to former California Representative Devin Nunes, who chaired the House Intelligence Committee, during the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
Reports surfaced that before leaving office in early 2021, Trump considered Patel for the FBI Deputy Director position. However, former Attorney General William Barr wrote in his 2022 memoir, *One Damn Thing After Another*, that Patel lacked the experience necessary for such a high-level position.
Following Trump’s departure from the White House, their relationship appears to have remained close. During the investigation into Trump, Patel invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination, refusing to testify before a federal grand jury. He subsequently testified after receiving immunity from the Justice Department.
Patel’s Advocacy for FBI Reform
Patel’s nomination aligns with Trump’s plans for a significant overhaul of federal agencies. Known for his criticisms of the FBI, Patel detailed his vision for defeating the “deep state” in his 2023 book, *Government Gangsters*, arguing that the FBI’s compromised state requires drastic action.
In interviews, Patel has expanded on his proposed reforms. He stated on a podcast that he would temporarily shut down the FBI headquarters on his first day, reopening it as a “deep state” museum, then redeploying its seven thousand employees nationwide to pursue criminal investigations.
In a prior interview with Steve Bannon (conducted before Bannon’s imprisonment), Patel responded to Bannon’s suggestion that he could become CIA Director by stating his intention to pursue accountability for those who spread misinformation.
Patel further asserted his commitment to investigating those in the media who he believes disseminated false information about American citizens and participated in efforts to manipulate the 2020 presidential election, echoing Trump’s claims of a stolen election.
Patel’s Personal Background
Patel was born in Garden City, New York, to Indian immigrant parents. In *Government Gangsters*, he dedicated the book to them, acknowledging their pursuit of the American Dream.
He describes his upbringing in a large, close-knit family and maintains a strong connection to India, having been raised within the Hindu faith.
Patel earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Richmond and his law degree from Pace University.