Here’s what Kash Patel’s former colleagues are saying about him
President-elect Trump has made a bold move by nominating Kash Patel to be the next FBI director. Patel, a person with an extensive background in national security and intelligence, has a remarkable track record that makes him one of the most experienced people ever to be nominated to lead the bureau.
During the first Trump administration, Patel served as a deputy assistant to Trump and as senior director for counterterrorism. In this role, he was involved in presidential missions aimed at decimating Al-Qaeda senior leadership and ISIS command and control. Patel played a crucial role in planning the mission to take out Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, among others.
Patel’s experience extends beyond counterterrorism. He was involved in efforts to bring some of the most-wanted terrorists to the U.S. for prosecution and worked on the return of dozens of U.S. hostages back home. His dedication to national security and his willingness to take on dangerous missions, such as the attempt to negotiate the release of Austin Tice from Syrian captivity, has earned him praise from former White House national security adviser Robert O’Brien.
Despite his impressive credentials, Patel has faced criticism from some quarters, including fired FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. However, supporters of Patel argue that these attacks are politically motivated and do not reflect his qualifications or dedication to the job.
In addition to his work in counterterrorism, Patel has been heavily involved in countering Chinese, Russian, Iranian, and North Korean threats to U.S. interests. He has also worked on implementing sanctions against foreign adversaries. Victoria Coates, a former deputy national security adviser to Trump, believes that Patel’s experience and commitment to national security make him the right person to lead the FBI at a time when strong leadership is needed.
Before his time in the Trump administration, Patel served as the national security adviser and senior counsel for counterterrorism to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. He led the committee’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election and uncovered FISA abuse by the FBI and DOJ.
Critics of Patel have raised concerns that he will seek revenge against government bureaucrats, but supporters like former Trump White House deputy national security adviser KT McFarland believe that Patel’s experience and dedication to transparency will benefit the FBI and the American people. McFarland emphasized that Patel’s background as a public defender and national security prosecutor gives him a unique perspective on the inner workings of the government.
Overall, Patel’s nomination has garnered support from key figures in the Trump administration, Congress, and national security experts. Rep. Jim Jordan and Sen.-elect Jim Banks both believe that Patel is the right choice to lead the FBI and will bring a much-needed shake-up to the agency. With his extensive experience and dedication to national security, Patel is poised to make a significant impact as the next FBI director.
