Official announcement from the Department of Justice

Trump Expected to Appoint Kash Patel as Deputy FBI Director or Investigative Role Amid Background Check Controversy

Nov 25, 2024, 06:59 PM

President-elect Donald Trump is expected to appoint Kash Patel to a senior position at either the FBI or the Justice Department, according to multiple reports from Axios and other sources. Patel, a former chief of staff at the Defense Department and a vocal critic of the FBI, is being considered for roles that may include deputy FBI director or an investigative position within the DOJ. However, reports indicate that he is unlikely to be nominated as FBI director. The potential appointment comes amid discussions regarding the administration's approach to cabinet nominations, particularly concerning background checks, which may prompt bipartisan scrutiny in the Senate. A final decision on Patel's appointment has yet to be made, and Trump retains the option to elevate him to the director position.