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Trump Names Indian-American and 'Deep State' Critic Kash Patel as FBI Director

Dec 1, 2024, 12:49 AM

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kashyap “Kash” Patel to serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, an Indian-American, a loyalist to Trump, and a critic of the 'deep state,' is known for challenging the Russia investigation, which Trump has repeatedly called a "hoax." He has previously held key national security roles during Trump's first term, including serving as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense and as a senior aide in various intelligence positions. Trump's announcement, made on his social media platform Truth Social, praised Patel as a "brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter" who has dedicated his career to exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the United States. This nomination signals Trump's intent to upend the FBI and broader law enforcement agencies, which he has frequently criticized as corrupt. Patel becomes the highest-ranking Indian-American in the incoming administration and the second Indian-American appointed to Trump's cabinet.