US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated the name of Kashyap “Kash” Patel to serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced Patel’s nomination, highlighting his distinguished career in various government roles. These include serving as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council during Trump’s first term as President.
Trump praised Patel for his work in investigating the so-called “Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax,” calling him an “America First” fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.
“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. During my first term, Kash did an incredible job, serving 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,” the US President-elect said.
Trump further tasked Patel with addressing critical issues such as rising crime rates, criminal gangs, and human and drug trafficking across the US border. He also underlined that Patel would work under Attorney General Pam Bondi to restore the FBI’s core motto: Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity.
“This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border,” Trump stated, adding that “Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to restore Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI.”
Who Is ‘Kash’ Patel?Â
- Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel was born in New York in 1980 to Gujarati parents, who he said grew up in East Africa.
- He graduated from Garden City High School in Long Island.
- According to his Department of Defense profile, Patel completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond before returning to New York to earn his law degree and a certificate in International Law from the University College London Faculty of Laws in the United Kingdom.
- Patel began his career as a public defender, trying scores of complex cases ranging from murder to narco-trafficking to financial crimes in jury trials in state and federal courts.
- He served as the former Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller.
- He has worked as the Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism (CT) at the National Security Council (NSC).
- During this time, Patel oversaw the execution of several of the then US President Donald Trump’s top priorities, including eliminating ISIS and Al-Qaeda leadership and the safe repatriation of numerous American hostages.
- Patel has also served as the National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI).
