By Steve Neavling
Kash Patel, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, is advocating for sweeping and controversial changes to the FBI, as outlined in his 2023 book, “Government Gangsters.”
Patel’s proposals include firing top FBI officials, dismantling its Washington headquarters, prosecuting leakers and journalists, and replacing national security staff with Trump loyalists, The New York Times reports.
Now, Trump has signaled his intention to make Patel the next FBI director, a move that could reshape the agency in unprecedented ways.
Patel’s book, which he described as a blueprint for reform, has drawn sharp criticism from former officials and legal experts.
Some warn his ideas would politicize the agency and undermine its independence.
“These are not reforms; they are punitive measures from a guy trying to be the enforcer for Trump,” said Charles Kupperman, a former deputy national security adviser in the Trump administration.
Patel has also threatened lawsuits against media outlets and proposed using the Justice Department to track down leakers, bypassing protections for journalists.
If appointed, Patel would have significant power to reshape the bureau, from decentralizing its Washington operations to loosening civil service job protections for federal employees.
However, his confirmation would require Christopher Wray, the current FBI director, to resign or be removed — a move likely to spark political and legal battles.
