Chicago December 2, 2024
President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he plans to nominate Kash Patel as the new FBI Director has sparked strong reactions from both experts and lawmakers.
Trump shared the news on Saturday via Truth Social, stating he wants to replace the current FBI Director, Christopher Wray, whom he hired during his first term. Since then, Patel has been called a “controversial pick” due to his outspoken views on the so-called “deep state.”
Many left-wing commentators are worried that Patel might politicize the FBI, turning it into a tool for Trump’s interests. Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe strongly criticized Patel’s nomination, saying it was part of a plan to “disrupt” and “dismantle” the FBI. McCabe, who briefly served as acting FBI Director in 2017, argued that Patel is “profoundly unqualified” for the job.
Wray, who was appointed for a 10-year term, is not expected to step down unless fired. The FBI issued a statement emphasizing that Wray’s focus remains on supporting the agency’s work to protect Americans from growing threats. The agency gave no indication that Wray plans to resign anytime soon.
