Columbia Standard

Radical extremist Kash Patel has been identified as a staunch supporter of the MAGA movement, known for spreading conspiracy theories and expressing intentions to target political adversaries of former President Donald Trump. Patel has reportedly compiled a list of 60 individuals he labels as "members of the deep state," which includes public servants from both major political parties. He has also expressed plans to repurpose the FBI Hoover Building into a museum dedicated to exposing what he terms the "deep state" and targeting journalists.

Several prominent figures from Trump's first administration have voiced their concerns about Patel's potential role in law enforcement. Former Attorney General Barr stated, “I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director. I [said] it would happen ‘over my dead body.’ … Patel had virtually no experience that would qualify him to serve at the highest level of the world’s preeminent law enforcement agency.” John Bolton, who served as National Security Advisor, commented, “I didn’t think he was qualified. He demonstrated no policy aptitude at all. I was forced to hire him.” Charles Kupperman, Deputy National Security Advisor, added, “The idea that he is going to become the FBI director is appalling. His legal career is modest at best. His ideas are ludicrous.”

In addition to these criticisms, CIA Director Gina Haspel reportedly threatened resignation when Trump suggested appointing Patel as CIA Deputy Director. Defense Secretary Mark Esper accused Patel of lying about Nigeria's approval for a hostage rescue operation, endangering American lives.

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), who serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued a statement expressing his concerns: “Kash Patel is an extreme MAGA loyalist who would make our country less safe. He is blindly loyal to Donald Trump and Donald Trump only. He has a trail of grievances and history of lashing out at those who don’t agree with him. That’s not the kind of nonpartisan, law enforcement professional who should lead the FBI.”