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Republican lawmakers showed their approval for Trump’s decision to appoint Kash Patel as the head of the FBI. Many expressed their support for the president-elect’s choice of a loyalist who has promised to use his new position to seek retaliation against his enemies.
Written by Michael D. Shear
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On Sunday, a number of Republican lawmakers expressed their support for President-elect Donald J. Trump’s decision to appoint Kash Patel as the leader of the F.B.I. They defended Trump’s choice to put a loyalist in the position, who has promised to use his power to seek retaliation against Trump’s enemies.
The news that President Trump plans to replace the current FBI director, Christopher A. Wray, who still has three years remaining in his 10-year term, with Mr. Patel, has surprised Democrats and many in the national security community. Mr. Patel has expressed his intention to initiate a widespread retaliatory campaign against FBI agents, journalists, and others.
The Senate confirms F.B.I. directors, and Mr. Patel is expected to be asked challenging questions during his confirmation hearings about ensuring that the agency remains independent from political influences. Although Republican Senate leaders did not comment on Sunday, other senators from the Trump’s party showed their support for Mr. Patel.
Senator Bill Hagerty from Tennessee, who is a member of the Republican party, stated that he had recommended to former President Trump that he appoint Mr. Patel.
Mr. Hagerty expressed concerns about issues within the F.B.I. during an interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press." He mentioned that the American people are aware of these problems and are looking for significant reforms, believing that Kash Patel is the right person to bring about these changes.
Senator Ted Cruz from Texas, a member of the Republican party, expressed his support for Mr. Patel as a nominee. He believes that Patel is well-suited to address the issue of partisanship within the FBI, which has been a concern for supporters of President Trump due to ongoing investigations into him and his inner circle.
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