Senate Republicans are facing pressure from former GOP officials to reject President Trump’s FBI nominee, Kash Patel, setting up a contentious confirmation battle this week.
Patel’s nomination has drawn criticism from top Republican national security and law enforcement figures, including former Trump advisers John Bolton, William Barr, and Mark Esper, The Hill reports. Bolton described Patel as a “climbing weed” who disregards limits, adding that allegations he broke protocol during a hostage rescue were “stunning.”
Barr, in his memoir, recalled opposing Patel’s promotion to deputy FBI director during Trump’s first term, telling then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows it would happen “over my dead body.” Esper accused Patel of misleading military leaders into believing U.S. forces had airspace clearance for a hostage rescue mission, nearly jeopardizing the operation.
A Patel spokesperson denied the claim, emphasizing his record as a DOJ terrorism prosecutor.
More than 20 Republican former law enforcement officials urged senators to reject Patel, arguing he lacks the right temperament and is driven by “revenge,” citing his threats to target Trump’s perceived enemies. Signatories included Trump’s former special counsel Ty Cobb, former RNC chair Marc Racicot, and ex-Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, R-N.J.
Patel is expected to clear the Senate Judiciary Committee but may face resistance in the full Senate, where Trump’s controversial Pentagon pick, Pete Hegseth, narrowly secured confirmation.
Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, remain undecided.
“I’m going to wait until his hearing before making a decision,” Collins said.
Murkowski acknowledged Barr’s concerns, saying, “I factor everything out there in” when considering nominees.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., who unexpectedly opposed Hegseth, has not revealed his stance on Patel. Patel can only afford to lose three GOP votes, assuming Vice President JD Vance is available to break a tie.
