Kash Patel, the newly selected leader of the FBI, has sparked concern over his qualifications for the role. Even those familiar with him say he is unqualified and untrustworthy. Patel’s selection highlights a concerning trend in President Trump’s approach to the intelligence community.
The FBI’s unique power and potential danger were previously unseen under Trump’s leadership. The agency’s 10-year term limit, established by Congress in 1976, is meant to isolate it from political influence. However, Trump wants to fire and replace the current director, Christopher Wray, who has two years left on his term.
Unlike Patel, all F.B.I. directors have come from within the organization or held Republican positions during Democratic presidencies. Trump’s intention with a nominee like Patel is clear: he wants to use the FBI against perceived enemies and critics.
The FBI’s impact can be severe even if no charges are filed. High-profile cases have mistakenly targeted innocent individuals, causing financial ruin and damage to their lives. The agency’s ability to adapt to poor leadership has come from increased oversight regimes installed by Congress and the Justice Department.
A Patel directorship could cause lasting harm to the institution through top agent promotions. Mr. Hoover’s legacy still looms over the bureau, with many agents trained by him, despite his shadow only being two generations old. The unparalleled resources at the FBI should raise alarm about the danger of a Patel-led agency.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/opinion/kash-patel-trump-fbi.html