Former President Donald Trump is reportedly eyeing Kash Patel for a prominent role in his administration. Sources familiar with the matter told Axios that Patel is being considered for either FBI director or deputy director, signaling a potential shake-up in federal law enforcement as Trump reclaims the presidency.
As a former chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense during Trump’s presidency, he has long been a trusted confidant within Trump’s inner circle. Known for his loyalty and willingness to challenge Washington norms, Patel is a polarizing figure who gained prominence as a vocal critic of the FBI and its handling of investigations into Trump.
Facing possible confirmation challenges in the Senate, Trump may opt to appoint Patel as deputy director or to a specific investigative position within the DOJ. While a final decision remains pending, there is still the possibility that Trump might elevate Patel to the top post at the FBI, a move that could create significant political upheaval in Washington.
A transition source told Axios, “Kash has a lot of allies who think placing him in a top role would be well-received by the Trump base, and send a clear message that Trump is serious about major reform to the justice and law-enforcement agencies.”
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is also under consideration for the role of FBI director, following Trump’s selection of Pam Bondi as the head of the Justice Department. However, no consensus candidate has yet emerged for the FBI position.
“President-elect Trump has made brilliant decisions on who will serve in his second administration at lightning pace. Remaining decisions will continue to be announced by him when they are made,” Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump team, told Axios.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to “clean house” in the FBI and DOJ once in office, a theme that has resonated with his base. The decision could also set up a fierce Senate confirmation battle if Patel is tapped as FBI director, a role that requires confirmation. As deputy director, however, Patel would bypass that process, making the appointment potentially easier to execute.
A few weeks ago, Fox News reported that Patel’s name emerged as a top contender for the position, with insiders suggesting that Trump sees him as the ideal figure to spearhead a much-needed overhaul of the agency.
Patel’s history with Trump and his reputation for loyalty are believed to be key factors driving this consideration. As a senior official in the Trump administration, Patel was instrumental in exposing misconduct within the intelligence community, earning him accolades from Trump loyalists and criticism from political opponents. The FBI has been a point of contention during Trump’s political career. From the Russia investigation to the raid on Mar-a-Lago, Trump has frequently accused the agency of bias.
During his time with the Trump administration, Patel served as a National Security Council official, senior advisor to the acting Director of National Intelligence, and chief of staff to the acting United States Secretary of Defense.
Patel’s career began as a federal public defender and later as a federal prosecutor focusing on national security cases. He gained prominence as a senior aide to Congressman Devin Nunes, where he played a key role in Republican efforts to challenge investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
YOURS FREE: Claim Your ‘Trump Victory’ Coin NOW!