1 month ago
3
President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, faces scrutiny over his plans to overhaul the agency."We are on a mission to annihilate the deep state," Patel said.Patel, a Trump ally, has criticized the FBI and pledged to shut down its headquarters in Washington on his first day."And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals, go be cops," Patel said.Patel also plans to target media members and federal employees who leak information to reporters, separate the bureau's intelligence assets, and institute major surveillance reforms."If you're hostile to the agency you're going to head, that can cause a lot of concerns for the people who work there, and also for the people who have to approve you in the Senate," said Todd Belt, of George Washington University.Some worry Patel could use the FBI to serve Trump's political interests."Kash Patel is the danger because he's unqualified and because he is out for revenge on behalf of Donald Trump," said Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y.Others believe Patel is the right person for the job."There's a lot of good people in the FBI but it needs to be overhauled just like the military. I think Kash Patel would be very good at it," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.Analysts suggest Patel may face an easier confirmation due to other controversial nominees."Republicans will probably not want to deny the president his administration for more than one nominee," Belt said.Current FBI Director Christopher Wray has three years left on his term. He must either resign or be fired after Trump takes office for Patel to assume the role.
President-elect Donald Trump's pick to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, faces scrutiny over his plans to overhaul the agency.
"We are on a mission to annihilate the deep state," Patel said.
Patel, a Trump ally, has criticized the FBI and pledged to shut down its headquarters in Washington on his first day.
"And I'd take the 7,000 employees that work in that building and send them across America to chase down criminals, go be cops," Patel said.
Patel also plans to target media members and federal employees who leak information to reporters, separate the bureau's intelligence assets, and institute major surveillance reforms.
"If you're hostile to the agency you're going to head, that can cause a lot of concerns for the people who work there, and also for the people who have to approve you in the Senate," said Todd Belt, of George Washington University.
Some worry Patel could use the FBI to serve Trump's political interests.
"Kash Patel is the danger because he's unqualified and because he is out for revenge on behalf of Donald Trump," said Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y.
Others believe Patel is the right person for the job.
"There's a lot of good people in the FBI but it needs to be overhauled just like the military. I think Kash Patel would be very good at it," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala.
Analysts suggest Patel may face an easier confirmation due to other controversial nominees.
"Republicans will probably not want to deny the president his administration for more than one nominee," Belt said.
Current FBI Director Christopher Wray has three years left on his term. He must either resign or be fired after Trump takes office for Patel to assume the role.
English (US)