Summary
Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI director pick, has no FBI experience but is deeply tied to far-right media, frequently hosting Steve Bannon’s podcast.
Patel promotes conspiracy theories, including claims of Chinese election interference and a “two-tiered justice system” targeting Trump allies. He has called for extreme measures, like arresting Attorney General Merrick Garland, and keeps a literal enemies list in his book Government Gangsters.
Critics compare Patel to J. Edgar Hoover, warning of potential abuses of federal power under his leadership. His proposals include prosecuting political opponents and journalists.
Patel’s nomination reflects Trump’s broader anti-establishment approach to governance.
I think people like Patel believe they’ll challenge the establishment by being there, but they’re also so unaware of the inner workings that it’s not clear they know just who they want to stop. Just an aimless sense of spite.