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More than any other personnel decision made by President-elect Donald Trump for his incoming administration, his selection of attorney Kash Patel to lead the FBI as its next director has electrified his most dedicated supporters.
That’s not to say they’re unhappy with the other appointments—they’re not. In fact, Trump’s supporters are thrilled with all the choices so far, eagerly watching as the former president builds out his comeback administration. However, Patel’s appointment has sparked a particular level of enthusiasm among the base.
This heightened excitement likely stems from Patel’s reputation as one of the movement’s most aggressive fighters. During Trump’s first term, Patel played a key role in countering the Russia hoax narrative and later led counterterrorism efforts in the White House. But it’s also a reflection of the deep distrust many conservatives have developed toward the FBI in recent years. Patel is seen as someone who won’t cater to entrenched interests within the bureau and will work to steer it back toward enforcing the law rather than engaging in political pursuits.
Over the past decade, the FBI has been at the center of several defining moments in U.S. politics: Hillary Clinton’s email scandal, the Russia investigation, January 6 prosecutions, the raid on Mar-a-Lago, and more. In his first term, Trump’s decision to fire James Comey and appoint Christopher Wray as FBI director was a pivotal moment. However, Wray ultimately proved to be just as protective of the FBI’s institutional interests as his predecessors, leaving Trump’s base deeply disappointed.
Trump’s upcoming second term represents a rare second chance—not just for him, but for the broader America First movement. It offers an opportunity to reform the agency and correct past missteps. Patel’s qualifications make him uniquely suited for the job, further fueling excitement among Trump’s supporters. Unlike during his first term, Trump now has a roster of individuals with the experience and qualifications to win Senate confirmation for key roles. Patel’s extensive resume, which includes serving as a prosecutor, public defender, senior adviser to the Director of National Intelligence, chief of staff at the Pentagon, and a top attorney for the House Intelligence Committee, makes him an undeniably strong candidate for FBI director.
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) emphasized Patel’s qualifications, pointing out that he has prosecuted more cases than outgoing Vice President Kamala Harris. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-TN) echoed this support, stating Patel is fully equipped to lead the bureau. These endorsements counter claims from critics who argue that significant change within the FBI is impossible. Patel’s leadership, they believe, could shift the FBI’s trajectory away from political entanglements and back toward its foundational mission.
Patel has also prepared for this role through his writings, including his book Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, where he outlines his vision for combating entrenched forces and addressing the nation’s challenges.
Even some establishment-aligned Republicans are signaling their support for Patel, suggesting a strong start to his confirmation battle in the Senate. Speaker Mike Johnson has expressed confidence in Patel, and Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY)—a front-line Republican from a blue district—stated on CNN that he has no reservations about Patel’s appointment.
With widespread enthusiasm from the America First movement and backing from key Republican figures, it seems likely that Patel’s appointment will move forward. If anyone attempts to block his confirmation, they will face significant pushback from a base energized by the prospect of real change at the FBI.
