US President-elect Donald Trump has tapped Kash Patel, a loyalist and former Pentagon official, to be the next director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Trump, 78, made the announcement on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday to replace Christopher Wray, the current leader of the key agency since 2017, who was appointed by Trump to a 10-year term.
That means Wray will either need to step down or be fired.
Ray has come under fire from the incoming president because of the bureau’s investigation into Republican activities.
Patel is known for his controversial views on a so-called “deep state” government and his criticisms of the bureau.
“Kash is an outstanding lawyer, investigator and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice and protecting the American people,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.
A staunch defender of the incoming president, Patel supports the Republican hardline concept of an anti-Trump “deep state” that is allegedly working behind the scenes of partisan government bureaucrats to stifle Trump, even on the subject. A book has also been written.
The son of Indian immigrants, Patel served in several high-level posts during Trump’s first term, including as national security adviser and chief of staff to the acting defense secretary.
“I wish I had done an incredible job during my first term,” Trump said, adding that the nominee would “end America’s growing crime epidemic, end immigrant criminal gangs, and strengthen the border.” will work to curb the scourge of human and drug trafficking.”
In addition, Trump named Chad Kronister, a Florida sheriff, as administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which the president-elect mistakenly called the Drug Enforcement Agency.
“Chad will work with our great Attorney General Pam Bondi to secure the border, stop the flow of fentanyl and other illegal drugs across the southern border, and save lives,” Trump wrote on TruthSocial.
Bondi, a staunch Trump ally and former Florida attorney general, is the president-elect’s choice to lead the Justice Department.
The FBI is the investigative arm of the Department of Justice, while the DEA also falls under its purview.
The appointments of Bondi and Patel, both close supporters, indicate that Trump is interested in closely aligning those willing to lean on his vision and policy.