President-elect Donald Trump announced that he has nominated Kashyap “Kash” Patel to serve as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in his second administration. Patel previously served as chief of staff to acting secretary of defense Christopher Miller, and was principal deputy to the acting director of national intelligence during Trump’s first administration. Trump stated in a post on Truth Social:
I am proud to announce that Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and “America First” fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People. He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. 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. 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. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.
Patel responded, stating he is honored to be nominated by Trump. Erica Knight posted his response on X:
KASH PATEL: It is the honor of a lifetime to be nominated by President Trump to serve as Director of the FBI.
Together, we will restore integrity, accountability, and equal justice to our justice system and return the FBI to its rightful mission: protecting the American people.
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) responded to Trump’s nomination, stating that Kash Patel has extensive experience working in national security and would bring “much-needed” reforms to the FBI, posting on X:
Kash Patel has extensive experience in national security and intelligence. He is an America First patriot who will bring much-needed change and transparency to the FBI. Congratulations to Kash!
Ben Carson, former secretary of Housing and Urban Development, claimed Patel will focus on running the FBI on its true mission to uphold the Constitution, stating in a post on X:
Congratulations to my good friend, Kash Patel, on his nomination to run the FBI.
Kash will ensure the Bureau is free of political influence and will refocus it to its true mission of protecting the American people and upholding the U.S. Constitution.
Kash’s dedication to seeking truth and justice is unparalleled and I look forward to his swift confirmation. Good luck, Kash!
Representative Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) stated Patel will “clean house,” posting on X:
