1. United States
2. Utah
3. Letter

I am writing to express grave concerns over the potential nominations of Kash Patel to lead the FBI and Tulsi Gabbard as Director of National Intelligence. These appointees lack the necessary experience and independence required for such critical national security roles. Former FBI Director William Webster, who served under multiple presidents, has cautioned that Patel's statements suggesting loyalty to the president over the rule of law set a "dangerous precedent" for the impartial enforcement of justice expected of the FBI. Webster notes that during his tenure, he was contacted by the president only rarely and on specific matters, underscoring the bureau's independence. Gabbard's profound lack of intelligence experience raises doubts about her ability to effectively oversee the 18 intelligence agencies under the DNI's purview. As Webster wisely advises, public confidence erodes when intelligence leaders become too closely aligned with political figures, jeopardizing our nation's security. While every president deserves appointees they trust, the selection process must prioritize proven competence and independence to uphold the rule of law. Patel and Gabbard's apparent lack of these critical qualities should give us all pause. I urge you to carefully consider Webster's counsel from his decades of distinguished service in weighing these consequential nominations.