Trump nominates Kash Patel for FBI director after backlash over rumored contender 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. 

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

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'

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. 

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 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'

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’ 

Trump said Patel will work under incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured), who was only nominated after Trump's initial pick Matt Gaetz dropped out amid scrutiny

Trump said Patel will work under incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi (pictured), who was only nominated after Trump’s initial pick Matt Gaetz dropped out amid scrutiny 

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.’

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like
Missing mom who worked at Walmart discovered dead inside hammock in Alabama forest... two months after she disappeared

Mother who was employed at Walmart found deceased in a hammock in a forest in Alabama after vanishing for two months

An Ohio mother was found dead inside a hammock after vanishing two months…
Brandi Glanville reveals doctor's shock theory about the REAL reason her face is now unrecognizable

Brandi Glanville shares doctor’s surprising idea on why her face looks different now

Brandi Glanville says doctors suspect her facial condition may be caused by a parasite…
Former Chicago White Sox star Dick Allen elected to Baseball Hall of Fame

Dick Allen, a former star player for the Chicago White Sox, has been chosen to join the Baseball Hall of Fame.

DALLAS — After patiently awaiting recognition from Cooperstown for almost 30 years,…
How to Watch New ‘Bluey’ Minisodes on Disney+

Guide to Watching Latest ‘Bluey’ Short Episodes on Disney+

Batch three of the Bluey minisodes are finally here! Episodes of the…
The 2024 Kennedy Center Honors: Queen Latifah, The Grateful Dead, more

2024 Kennedy Center Honors lineup includes Queen Latifah and The Grateful Dead

1 1 of 29 Bill Kreutzmann, Bob Weir, and Mickey Hart of…
Whoopi Goldberg and Ana Navarro have HEATED exchange over Donald Trump 'panic' on The View

Whoopi Goldberg and Ana Navarro engage in intense debate over Donald Trump’s ‘panic’ on The View

The View kicked off the week on a fiery note as the hosts…
Golden Globes nominations announced by Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut

Mindy Kaling and Morris Chestnut reveal Golden Globes nominations!

The 2025 Golden Globes nominations are in. “Emilia Pérez” received the highest…
'Polarization' is Merriam-Webster's 2024 word of the year; editor at large Peter Sokolowski talks US election, Rachael Gunn

Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year is ‘Polarization’; Peter Sokolowski, the senior editor, discusses its impact on the US election and Rachael Gunn.

The aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election shook the nation and…
Alyssa Farah Griffin Promises To “Wear A MAGA Hat” On ‘The View’ If Trump Can Get Israeli Hostages Freed

Alyssa Farah Griffin vows to wear a MAGA hat on ‘The View’ if Trump can secure release of Israeli hostages

Alyssa Farah Griffin made a promise her co-hosts would probably prefer she…
Gang member Giovanni A. Saldivar, 19, charged with shooting Cicero police officer at 35th Street and 61st Court: officials

19-year-old Gang Member Accused of Shooting Cicero Police Officer According to Officials

CICERO, Ill. (WLS) — A Cicero spokesperson announced that a 19-year-old individual…
MLB star Juan Soto signs 15-year, $765 million contract with New York Mets, largest in professional sports history: ESPN Sources

Juan Soto, MLB standout, secures record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal with New York Mets: ESPN Reports

New York Mets and Juan Soto, the renowned outfielder, have reached a…
What we know about Luigi Mangione, person of interest in UnitedHealthcare CEO's murder

Learn more about Luigi Mangione, who is a suspect in the UnitedHealthcare CEO’s murder case

In New York, a person who is suspected of being involved in…