United States President-elect, Donald Trump, has nominated Kash Patel, a former aide known for his criticism of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, to take the helm of the agency.
Patel, who served as chief of staff at the Defense Department during Trump’s first term, has remained a loyal supporter of the incoming president.
His appointment would require current FBI Director Christopher Wray to step down or be dismissed, although Trump refrained from publicly calling for Wray’s resignation.
In a separate announcement, Trump revealed plans to nominate Hillsborough County Sheriff, Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Both Patel and Chronister join Trump’s Attorney General pick, Pam Bondi, as key figures in shaping his law enforcement team.
Trump also named Charles Kushner, a real estate developer and father of Jared Kushner, as ambassador to France.
This marks the first formal appointment of a family member since Trump’s re-election bid. All three nominations will need Senate confirmation.
Trump lauded Patel on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling him “a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter.” Trump added that Patel is “an advocate for truth, accountability, and the constitution.”
Patel, known for his proposals to curtail the FBI’s powers, once described the agency’s leadership as plagued by “government tyranny” in his memoir Government Gangsters.
His suggestions included firing senior FBI officials to reform the institution.
Patel’s rise to prominence began as senior counsel for the House Intelligence Committee in 2017. He later became a national security aide to Trump and subsequently served as chief of staff at the Pentagon.
Patel, the son of Indian immigrants, has also authored pro-Trump children’s books, including The Plot Against the King, featuring characters like Hillary Queenton and Keeper Komey, inspired by real political figures.
The FBI, responding to news of Patel’s potential appointment, issued a statement emphasizing its commitment to protecting Americans from evolving threats.
“Director Wray’s focus remains on the men and women of the FBI, the people we do the work with, and the people we do the work for,” the agency said.
Chronister, a veteran law enforcement officer with over three decades of experience in Florida, expressed gratitude for his nomination.
Trump praised his expertise and commitment to combating drug trafficking and securing the U.S. border.
On social media, Chronister called the nomination “the honor of a lifetime,” pledging to work alongside Bondi to tackle the nation’s drug crisis.
Trump underscored Chronister’s mission, stating, “As DEA Administrator, Chad will work with our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to secure the border, stop the flow of fentanyl, and other illegal drugs, across the southern border, and SAVE LIVES.”
