Kash Patel’s transformation into a prominent political figure was not always evident in his early career. Once a composed and introspective federal prosecutor and national security attorney at the Justice Department, Patel’s demeanor shifted dramatically after he became involved in the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference during the 2016 election. A senior national security figure who worked with Patel during this time observed this notable change.
Initially, Patel had reservations about taking on the role that would ultimately reshape his perspective on the FBI. A chance introduction by a mutual friend led him to Republican Congressman Devin Nunes shortly after Donald Trump’s election win, which was shadowed by allegations of Russian meddling. As the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Nunes was preparing to scrutinize the FBI’s approach to the politically sensitive inquiry into Moscow’s 2016 actions.
Nunes, recognizing Patel’s background in terrorism prosecutions and his experience as a legal liaison with Joint Special Operations Command, offered him a position in the Russia investigation. Patel initially declined, as he aimed to join the National Security Council, according to his memoir, “Government Gangsters.” However, Nunes was convincing, assuring Patel that if he aided the investigation, he would do his utmost to secure him a position in Trump’s White House.
Patel eventually accepted Nunes’s offer, and within a year, he collaborated with South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy to draft the infamous “Nunes memo.” This document outlined the questionable and circular justifications the FBI had employed to obtain a secret warrant to surveil Carter Page, a minor foreign policy advisor for Trump’s 2016 campaign, who was suspected of having links to Russian intelligence.
Upon initiating his investigation, Patel anticipated uncovering substantial and incriminating evidence regarding Page within the FBI’s warrant applications. Instead, he encountered an over-reliance on dubious opposition research memos financed by Clinton supporters and authored by former British MI6 operative Christopher Steele.
Patel’s critical view of the FBI’s actions in this case was not isolated. In December 2019, the Department of Justice’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, reported 17 instances of FBI misconduct regarding the warrant process, highlighting “serious performance failures” by the agents and supervisors involved.
While Horowitz found no evidence of political bias behind the FBI’s failures, Patel believed there were darker motives at play. He became convinced that the “Russia Gate scandal” revealed the operations of “government gangsters” within the FBI, employing tactics of entrapment and extortion reminiscent of organized crime, as he noted in his writing. This belief not only solidified his critical stance against the FBI but also brought him closer to Trump.
Following the release of the inspector general’s report, Nunes fulfilled his promise, and Patel was appointed to the National Security Council, eventually achieving his goal of becoming the senior director for counterterrorism. He recounted in his memoir that his initial meetings with Trump in the Oval Office faded from memory due to his awe but soon blossomed into a strong relationship that exceeded typical expectations. A senior official noted that Patel gained a reputation for circumventing the established chain of command within the White House, having established “a direct line” to Trump.
This direct connection could be significant for Trump. If Patel receives Senate confirmation, the individual who authored a book addressing his concerns about political interference at the FBI might usher in a new phase of politically motivated actions. Trump has signaled intentions to use the Department of Justice to target his political rivals. Patel has expressed a desire to remove the top tiers of the FBI and has suggested relocating the FBI headquarters outside of Washington. He has also indicated he would “come after” journalists.
However, Patel’s confirmation is not guaranteed. Current FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, still has nearly three years left in his ten-year term and would need to resign or be dismissed for Patel to take on the role.
Skepticism regarding Patel’s ability to lead 10,000 special agents at the FBI, entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the public against terrorism, organized crime, political corruption, and threats from foreign entities like China, remains prevalent in the Senate. Trump’s former Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, criticized Patel in his memoir, claiming he jeopardized a SEAL Team Six mission to rescue an American hostage in Nigeria by fabricating approval from the Nigerian government before it was granted. Additionally, when Trump sought to appoint Patel as deputy FBI director during his first term, then-Attorney General Bill Barr reportedly opposed the move vehemently. Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine has expressed a desire to hear Patel testify publicly before making any decisions, and she plans to examine his FBI background check.
