- United States
- Utah
- Letter
The nomination of Kashyap "Kash" Patel as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation raises serious concerns about cronyism and prioritizing political loyalty over national security. As a former Trump administration official, Patel quickly rose through the ranks thanks to his staunch devotion to the former president rather than relevant qualifications or experience. Even Trump's own officials, including former Attorney General Bill Barr and CIA Director Gina Haspel, strongly opposed Patel's potential appointments to senior intelligence roles, viewing him as "dangerous" and fearing he would break the law for Trump. Patel has demonstrated an obsessive allegiance to Trump, authoring a children's book depicting him as a persecuted "King Donald" and pledging to stock a second Trump administration with loyalists "from top to bottom." He has also threatened to prosecute journalists and political opponents, further undermining democratic norms and principles. Additionally, Patel's financial ties to Trump-related entities, where he allegedly earned hundreds of thousands of dollars, present potential conflicts of interest. The FBI Director must be an impartial leader committed to upholding the rule of law and protecting national security interests, not a partisan operative beholden to a single individual. Patel's background and rhetoric make clear he cannot meet this standard. I urge you to reject his nomination and ensure the next FBI Director has the integrity, independence, and expertise necessary for this crucial role.
