Donald Trump appoints Kash Patel, an Indian-American, as new FBI Director

US President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has nominated Kashyap “Kash” Patel to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, an Indian-American and a staunch Trump ally, previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense during Trump's first term. In a post on Truth Social, Trump praised Patel as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter" who has dedicated his career to exposing corruption and protecting the American people. Patel’s name had also been floated for CIA director, but Trump chose John Ratcliffe for that role. Patel, a former defense lawyer and federal prosecutor, gained prominence as a senior counsel to the House Intelligence Committee during the Russia probe in 2017. 

He later served as a national security aide and Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense. Patel is also an author and vocal critic of the “deep state,” accusing the media of being “the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen.” Patel is known for advocating major reforms at the FBI, including reducing its authority and removing senior leadership. If confirmed, he is expected to bring these changes to the bureau. In a recent interview, Patel even proposed closing the FBI's headquarters in Washington, D.C., and turning it into a “museum of the deep state.” Patel has received support from Trump’s base and MAGA media, frequently appearing on right-wing podcasts and online shows hosted by figures like Steve Bannon and Tim Pool.