1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

Grave concerns exist about Kash Patel's nomination to lead the FBI. His record indicates an alarming disregard for civil liberties and a willingness to weaponize law enforcement for political purposes. He has advocated revoking security clearances of civil servants who investigated former President Trump and described a need to target the "mainstream media" as enemies. His close financial ties and political allegiance to President-elect Trump raise doubts about his ability to maintain the FBI's critical independence. He has spread disinformation about undocumented immigrants and our elections. While claiming to support surveillance reform, his rhetoric suggests he may selectively apply the law against perceived ideological opponents. For these reasons, his nomination should be rejected in order to protect civil rights and prevent the FBI from being politicized. The FBI Director must be a stalwart defender of constitutional rights for all people, not a partisan operative. Patel's confirmation would seriously undermine that vital principle.