President-elect Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to nominate Kash Patel for a prominent role within the FBI or the Department of Justice (DOJ), according to a report from Axios citing “top transition sources.” Patel is being considered for positions such as deputy FBI director or a senior investigative role in the DOJ.
A source told Axios, “Kash has a lot of allies who believe placing him in a top role would resonate well with the Trump base and signal that Trump is committed to major reforms within the justice and law-enforcement agencies.”
Though Trump has not yet made a final decision, many Republicans are advocating for Patel to take on the role of FBI director in the second Trump administration.
Patel previously served on Trump’s National Security Council and as chief of staff to Christopher Miller, the acting Defense Secretary during Trump’s first term.
I think Kash Patel would make a great FBI Director.
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) November 22, 2024
Patel’s Department of Defense profile highlights his leadership on significant national security initiatives, including efforts to dismantle ISIS and Al-Qaeda leadership and secure the safe return of American hostages.
The profile also notes his early career as a public defender, where he handled cases involving murder, drug trafficking, and complex financial crimes in state and federal courts.
Other candidates under consideration for top roles include Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey for FBI director.
However, speculation surrounding former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI) was quashed by senior Trump adviser Dan Scavino, who stated on social media, “It’s not happening. In [Trump’s] own words, ‘I have never even given it a thought.’”
Commenting on the pace of appointments, Trump campaign spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told Axios, “President-elect Trump has been making brilliant decisions for his second administration at lightning speed. Additional announcements will follow as decisions are finalized.”
