Kash Patel Likely To Head FBI In New Trump Administration

Washington D.C., USA - 14 November 2024, at 22:38 IST

In a move that has sent shockwaves through the US intelligence community, former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon has hinted that Kash Patel will likely take over as the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), replacing Christopher Wray who is preparing for the possibility of being replaced after January 20.

Wray, who had been appointed by President Trump in 2017 and was set to complete his 10-year term, is said to be bracing himself for the potential change. In April this year, he told NBC News that he would continue serving as long as he adhered to "those rules and norms".

Bannon's statement corroborates reports from several other outlets, including NBC News, suggesting that Wray's days are numbered and he may either resign or be asked to leave.

The news comes amid a period of great upheaval for the FBI which has seen increased tensions between Trump and his appointees. The former President had faced criticism from Wray over issues such as surveillance of former campaign aide Carter Page and testimony on election interference threats from Russia.

In April, it was reported that Wray had told NBC News he was enjoying doing this job. However, with the US election now over, and Trump having vowed to pursue his own political adversaries, there are concerns that Wray's appointment would be revoked.

Patel, who lost out to ultra-conservative Texas Senator John Ratcliffe in the race for CIA Director, is a former National Security Council staffer who has called for a "comprehensive housecleaning" of the Justice Department and FBI. Patel had written extensively on this issue in his book, Government Gangsters.

The potential appointment of Patel as director would be a contentious move, particularly given his author's views on the need to root out what he terms "the deep state". Replacing Wray before the end of his 10-year term will also mark a departure from the norm and will give Trump an opportunity to reshape the FBI's leadership in his image.

The news comes at a time when Trump is facing several high-profile challenges. Among other things, the former President has been embroiled in controversy related to the search of his home by an FBI team - which led to an indictment on multiple charges. Trump also recently claimed that he had been wounded during an assassination attempt, a move that was strongly disputed by Biden officials.

Bannon's assertion about Patel taking over highlights the growing divide between Trump and those who would serve under him in various capacities. The President-elect is seeking to maintain his grip on power even as many observers predict a further period of turbulence for those close to him - starting with FBI director, Christopher Wray.

Patel has taken key positions at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Department of Defense during the final months of Trump's term. His appointment comes as Trump prepares to enter office on January 20.

Washington D.C., USA (With agency inputs)