Trump’s transition
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Kash Patel, who President-elect Donald J. Trump has selected to lead the F.B.I., has a background in both government and private sector that may lead to scrutiny during his confirmation hearings in the Senate.
Written by Glenn Thrush, Elizabeth Williamson, and Adam Goldman.
Writing from the nation
Not many individuals selected for high-ranking government positions, especially as important as the Director of the FBI, have had as much confidence, grandiosity, or controversial history as Kash Patel.
Mr. Patel, a 44-year-old individual from Long Island known for stirring up controversy and being involved in right-wing activities, was chosen by President-elect Donald J. Trump on Saturday to head the F.B.I. Patel has criticized the agency for conducting what he believes to be a politically motivated investigation against Trump. This decision essentially removes the current F.B.I. director, Christopher A. Wray, who was selected by Trump and still has almost three years remaining in his 10-year term.
Mr. Patel’s strong warnings to seek extensive retaliation on behalf of Mr. Trump have gained the admiration of his boss and Trump supporters who believe the bureau requires someone to shake things up in order to eliminate prejudice and change its overall environment.
However, his history as a government official and his controversial public statements are expected to lead to thorough scrutiny during the Senate’s consideration of his nomination. The Senate will ultimately decide if he is fit to lead an agency responsible for safeguarding Americans from various threats, including terrorism, crime, cartels, corruption, and the perceived existential threat from China.
Below are a few examples of statements and actions made by Mr. Patel that may make his confirmation process more challenging.
He was alleged to have almost failed in a high-risk operation to rescue hostages. In October 2020, Mr. Patel, a senior official in the Trump administration, joined a covert mission with SEAL Team Six to save Philip Walton, a 27-year-old American who had been abducted in Niger and transported to Nigeria by gunmen.
Mr. Patel, who deviated from the usual procedure, reassured the State and Defense Departments that the Nigerian government had been informed about the operation.
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