Trump selects Kash Patel as FBI director amid criticism of potential candidate Mike Rogers

Donald Trump announced he intends to nominate Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel to serve as the next FBI Director. 

The President-elect made his selection public on Saturday via his social media platform Truth Social. He introduced Patel as a skilled lawyer, investigator, and advocate for “American First.”

Patel was in contention for the position against former FBI agent and congressman Mike Rogers. However, Rogers lost favor last week when he faced opposition from several MAGA Republicans close to Trump.

Trump commended Patel upon announcing his appointment to the crucial intelligence position. He hailed Patel as a dedicated individual who has dedicated his career to uncovering corruption, upholding justice, and safeguarding the American populace.

‘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. 

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. 

Trump had a notably fraught relationship with the FBI in his first term, and referenced this in his announcement of Patel as he said he would bring ‘Integrity to the FBI.’ 

‘This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border,’ the president-elect wrote. 

‘Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.’ 

Trump’s announcement that incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi would oversee Patel’s agency comes as Bondi was only nominated after a chaotic start to Trump’s nomination procedure. 

Firebrand Florida ex-Congressman Matt Gaetz was initially picked, however he dropped out after admitting he had become a ‘distraction’ amid renewed interest on an investigation into child sex trafficking. He was never charged and denies the allegations against him. 

The incoming administration has filled its ranks far faster than other presidential winners have in the past, with Patel’s selection one of the last main gigs to be filled. 

He was in the running alongside former FBI agent, congressman, chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, and unsuccessful Republican nominee for Senator of Michigan in November, Mike Rogers. 

Rogers was believed to be in the final two after meeting with the Trump transition team at Mar-a-Lago, but was quickly dismissed when MAGA insiders protested the idea. 

Trump’s long-serving advisor and social media director Dan Scavino delivered an update on the idea last week morning on his X account.

‘Just spoke to President Trump regarding Mike Rogers going to the FBI,’ he wrote. ‘It’s not happening — In his own words, ‘I have never even given it a thought.’ Not happening.’