By Steve Neavling
A former head of both the FBI and CIA is raising concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees to lead key intelligence agencies, questioning whether they have the qualifications for such critical roles.
Kash Patel has been nominated to direct the FBI, while Tulsi Gabbard is set to head national intelligence.
In a letter addressed to senators on Thursday, William Webster, who uniquely served as director of both agencies, expressed doubts about the nominees’ preparedness for the top intelligence positions, Politico reports. He wrote that neither candidate meets the standards required to manage the nation’s complex intelligence and law enforcement operations.
Webster, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday, acknowledged Patel’s dedication to public service but flagged his close ties to Trump as potentially problematic.
“His record of executing the president’s directives suggest a loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law — a dangerous precedent for an agency tasked with impartial enforcement of justice,” Webster cautioned in his letter.
Regarding Gabbard, Webster pointed to her lack of experience in intelligence work as a key drawback, emphasizing that seasoned expertise is essential for the role of national intelligence director. He described this gap as a significant concern.
“Effective management of our intelligence community requires unparalleled expertise to navigate the complexities of global threats and to maintain the trust of allied nations,” he wrote. “Without that trust, our ability to safeguard sensitive secrets and collaborate internationally is severely diminished.”
A spokesperson for Trump’s transition team did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the criticisms raised in Webster’s letter.
Webster’s extensive career in intelligence and law enforcement began with his appointment as FBI director by President Jimmy Carter in 1978. He continued in that role under President Ronald Reagan before being tapped by Reagan to lead the CIA in 1987. Webster served as CIA director until 1991, during President George H.W. Bush’s administration.
In closing his letter, Webster made a direct appeal to lawmakers to carefully consider the qualifications of the nominees, underscoring the stakes involved in these appointments.
“I urge you to weigh the critical importance of nonpartisan leadership and experience,” he wrote. “The safety of the American people — and your own families — depends on it.”
