Trump taps loyalist Kash Patel to overhaul FBI, Chronister to lead DEA

Patel proposes scattering FBI staff to focus on criminal investigations rather than intelligence operations

WASHINGTON:

Republican President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday his intent to nominate Kash Patel, a former National Security official and staunch ally, to lead the FBI. This signals Trump’s intention to replace the current director, Christopher Wray, whose 10-year term runs until 2027.

Trump also announced Chad Chronister, the sheriff of Hillsborough County, Florida, as his nominee for Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Administrator.

Patel, who held advisory roles during Trump’s first term with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense, has advocated for a radical restructuring of the FBI.

In a recent interview, he suggested removing its intelligence-gathering functions, redistributing staff across the country, and converting the FBI’s Hoover Building into a museum.

Trump’s decision to nominate Patel indicates his resolve to dismiss Wray, a Republican he initially appointed in 2017 after firing James Comey.

Wray has been a target of criticism from Trump supporters, particularly following the FBI’s court-approved search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence for classified documents and its role in addressing violent threats against school boards.

The FBI, responding to questions about Patel’s nomination, reiterated its commitment to protecting Americans from various threats and highlighted Wray’s ongoing dedication to the agency’s work.

By law, FBI directors serve 10-year terms to insulate the role from political influence. Wray has not indicated plans to step down and has scheduled events well into 2025.

Patel, 44, has experience as a federal public defender and prosecutor. He played a prominent role in investigating the FBI’s 2016 inquiry into Trump campaign links with Russia while serving as an aide to former House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes. During Trump’s first impeachment trial, Patel faced allegations of unauthorised back-channel communications with Ukraine, which he denied.

After Trump’s presidency, Patel was designated as a representative for access to Trump’s presidential records and was subpoenaed in connection with investigations into classified materials. He has also authored Government Gangsters, a book Trump described as a "roadmap" for dismantling what he calls the "Deep State."

Patel’s nomination is expected to face opposition from Senate Democrats and potentially some Republicans, though prominent figures like Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton have expressed support.

Chronister would collaborate with Trump’s choice for Attorney General, Pam Bondi, also from the Tampa area. Trump stated that Chronister’s role would focus on securing the border and combating the flow of illegal drugs such as fentanyl.