By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-12-01 00:16:14 | Updated at 2024-12-01 02:44:25
2 hours ago
Donald Trump announced he intends to nominate Kashyap 'Kash' Patel to serve as the next FBI Director.
The President-elect revealed his pick on Saturday on his social media platform Truth Social, describing Patel as 'a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and "American First" fighter.'
Patel had been competing for the job with former FBI agent and congressman Mike Rogers, before Rogers was dismissed as a candidate last week after he was opposed by several MAGA Republicans in Trump's orbit.
As he announced Patel for the top intelligence job, Trump praised the MAGA loyalist as a 'fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People.'
'He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution,' Trump wrote.
'Kash did an incredible job during my First Term, where he served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council.
'Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials.'
Patel joins a growing list of controversial Trump cabinet picks expected to be opposed by Democrats in Senate confirmation hearings, also including Secretary of Defense nominee Pete Hegseth and RFK Jr. for HHS Secretary.
Donald Trump announced he intends to nominate Kashyap 'Kash' Patel to serve as the next FBI Director
Trump described Patel as 'a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and "American First" fighter'
Patel had also been rumored to be in the running to become Trump's next CIA Director.
He had been involved in Trump's transition team, with his prominence in the nominating process leading to controversy this week as he was accused of using his position to lobby for himself.
Politico reported that some in Trump's team were frustrated that Patel was advocating for himself to lead one of the new administration's intelligence agencies.
'The issue that a lot of us have is that these people are involved in staffing national security jobs, and at the same time they’re also promoting themselves for the same roles,' an anonymous insider told the outlet.
Trump's incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the report by branding it '100% false.'
'The fake news is clearly trying to sow division between two of President Trump’s most loyal supporters. President Trump is choosing brilliant people to serve on his team, and those decisions will continue to be announced as he makes them,' Leavitt said in a statement.
