Kash Patel: From Prosecutor to Political Figure

Kash Patel’s rise to prominence in the political arena was not immediately apparent in the early stages of his career. Previously a thoughtful and reserved federal prosecutor specializing in national security at the Justice Department, Patel’s outlook changed significantly once he became involved in the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. A senior figure in national security who worked alongside Patel during this period noted a clear transformation in his approach.

From Reluctance to Commitment

At first, Patel hesitated to take on a role that would fundamentally alter his perception of the FBI. A serendipitous meeting with Republican Congressman Devin Nunes, shortly after Donald Trump’s election victory—which was marred by allegations of Russian involvement in the electoral process—set the stage for his new path. As chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Nunes was gearing up to investigate the FBI’s handling of this sensitive inquiry.

Nunes’ Persuasion

Nunes recognized Patel’s extensive background in terrorism prosecutions and his role as a legal liaison with the Joint Special Operations Command. He extended an invitation for Patel to join the Russia investigation. Initially, Patel turned it down, aspiring instead to join the National Security Council, as detailed in his memoir, “Government Gangsters.” However, Nunes assured him that his involvement could pave the way for a position in Trump’s administration.

Diving into Controversy

Ultimately, Patel accepted Nunes’s offer, and within a year, he worked with South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy to produce the controversial “Nunes memo.” This document critiqued the questionable justifications the FBI used to secure a secret warrant to surveil Carter Page, a minor foreign policy advisor for Trump’s 2016 campaign, who was alleged to have ties to Russian intelligence.

Uncovering the Truth

As Patel began his investigation, he expected to uncover significant evidence against Page within the FBI’s warrant applications. Instead, he found an overreliance on dubious opposition research funded by Clinton associates and drafted by former British MI6 operative Christopher Steele.

FBI Misconduct Exposed

Patel’s critical perspective on the FBI’s actions was echoed in December 2019 when the Department of Justice’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, reported 17 instances of misconduct related to the warrant process, citing “serious performance failures” among the involved agents and supervisors.

Questions of Motive

While Horowitz concluded there was no evidence of political bias influencing the FBI’s failures, Patel believed there were more sinister motivations. He became convinced that the “Russia Gate scandal” exposed the workings of “government gangsters” within the FBI, using tactics that resembled organized crime, as he articulated in his writings. This conviction not only deepened his critique of the FBI but also strengthened his alignment with Trump.

Climbing the Ranks

After the release of the inspector general’s findings, Nunes kept his word, and Patel was appointed to the National Security Council, eventually realizing his ambition of becoming the senior director for counterterrorism. In his memoir, he mentioned that his first meetings with Trump in the Oval Office left a lasting impression, leading to a strong relationship that surpassed conventional expectations. A senior official remarked that Patel became known for bypassing the traditional chain of command within the White House, establishing “a direct line” to Trump.

The Implications of Confirmation

This direct connection could hold considerable significance for Trump. If Patel is confirmed by the Senate, he would bring with him a unique perspective on political interference at the FBI, potentially ushering in a new era of politically charged actions. Trump has indicated a desire to utilize the Department of Justice to target his political adversaries. Patel has voiced intentions to purge the upper echelons of the FBI and has proposed relocating its headquarters outside of Washington. He has also hinted at pursuing journalists who he feels threaten his agenda.

Challenges Ahead

Nevertheless, Patel’s confirmation isn’t assured. Current FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, has nearly three years remaining in his ten-year term and would need to resign or be removed for Patel to step into the role.

Concerns in the Senate

Skepticism surrounds Patel’s capability to lead the FBI’s 10,000 special agents, tasked with protecting the public from terrorism, organized crime, political corruption, and foreign threats, including those posed by China. Trump’s former Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, criticized Patel in his memoir, alleging that he compromised a SEAL Team Six mission to rescue an American hostage in Nigeria by falsely claiming Nigerian government approval prior to its actual grant. Additionally, when Trump attempted to appoint Patel as deputy FBI director during his first term, then-Attorney General Bill Barr reportedly opposed the decision strongly. Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine has expressed her intention to hear Patel testify publicly before making any commitments, and she plans to scrutinize his FBI background check.