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Kash Patel is the latest Indian-origin pick by Donald Trump in his new administration starting January next year.
Kash Patel named as new FBI Director (AP Photo)
US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Indian-American Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel, his loyalist, as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, describing him as an “America First fighter”.
Patel is the latest addition having an Indian origin to the new Trump administration which begins next January. Trump has previously announced other individuals with Indian roots including Vivek Ramaswamy and Tulsi Gabbard.
What Did Trump Say On Kash Patel’s Nomination?
Trump praised Patel as the “America First fighter” and said that he would stop the rising human and drug trafficking across the US borders.
“I am proud to announce that Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and “America First” fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People,” Trump posted on Saturday night on Truth Social.
“This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI,” he added.
It was earlier speculated that Kash Patel would be given the job to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), however, Trump cleared the air around it by announcing former director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe as the new CIA chief.
Patel would replace Christopher Wray as FBI chief, who was appointed by Trump in 2017, however, fell out of favour with the president. The FBI Director has a 10-year term, however, Wray’s replacement was not unexpected given Trump’s criticism of him and the FBI.
Who Is Kash Patel?
Patel has served as the former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defence Christopher Miller in Trump’s first administration.
Patel, 44, has been vocal about his ambition to reform the FBI. In an interview on the conservative Shawn Ryan Show, he outlined bold proposals, including dismantling the agency’s intelligence-gathering operations and repurposing its headquarters.
Born in Queens, New York, to Gujarati parents who emigrated from East Africa, Patel pursued a career in law after earning his degree. He began as a public defender in Florida, representing clients in state and federal courts. He later transitioned to the Department of Justice as a prosecutor, where he handled high-profile international terrorism cases spanning East Africa and the United States.
His career trajectory shifted when he joined the Department of Defense as a civilian attorney. In this role, he worked closely with the Special Operations Command, focusing on global counterterrorism efforts. His expertise drew the attention of Congressman Devin Nunes, then the chair of the House Intelligence Committee, who appointed him as senior counsel specializing in counterterrorism.
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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)