Kash Patel’s Journey from Prosecutor to Political Influencer
Kash Patel’s rise as a significant player in the political arena was not immediately apparent during his earlier professional days. As a composed federal prosecutor and national security attorney at the Justice Department, Patel maintained a more reserved demeanor. However, his involvement in the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election marked a turning point, leading to a dramatic shift in his outlook and approach. A senior national security official who collaborated with Patel during this period noted this significant transformation.
At first, Patel was hesitant to embrace a role that would ultimately alter his perception of the FBI. His introduction to Republican Congressman Devin Nunes came through a mutual acquaintance shortly after Donald Trump’s election victory, which was marred by allegations of Russian interference. As the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Nunes was gearing up to investigate the FBI’s handling of this politically charged inquiry.
Recognizing Patel’s expertise in terrorism prosecutions and his role as a legal liaison with Joint Special Operations Command, Nunes extended an invitation for him to join the Russia investigation. Initially, Patel declined, as he had his sights set on a position within the National Security Council, as detailed in his memoir, “Government Gangsters.” Nevertheless, Nunes was persuasive, promising Patel that his involvement in the investigation would bolster his chances of landing a role in Trump’s administration.
Eventually, Patel accepted Nunes’s proposal, leading to his collaboration with South Carolina Congressman Trey Gowdy in drafting the controversial “Nunes memo.” This memo critiqued the FBI’s justifications for obtaining a secret warrant to surveil Carter Page, a minor foreign policy advisor for Trump’s 2016 campaign, who was suspected of connections to Russian intelligence.
As Patel delved into the investigation, he anticipated uncovering substantial evidence against Page within the FBI’s warrant applications. Instead, he found a heavy reliance on questionable opposition research documents financed by Clinton associates and compiled by former British MI6 operative Christopher Steele.
Patel’s critical perspective on the FBI’s conduct in this matter was echoed by findings from the Department of Justice’s inspector general, Michael Horowitz, who reported in December 2019 that there were 17 instances of misconduct related to the warrant process, revealing “serious performance failures” among the agents and supervisors involved.
Although Horowitz concluded there was no evidence of political bias driving the FBI’s missteps, Patel harbored suspicions about more sinister motives. He believed the “Russia Gate scandal” exposed an undercurrent of “government gangsters” operating within the FBI, using tactics reminiscent of organized crime, such as entrapment and coercion, as he articulated in his writings. This conviction not only solidified his critique of the FBI but also drew him closer to Trump.
Following the inspector general’s report, Nunes honored his commitment, and Patel was appointed to the National Security Council, ultimately achieving his goal of becoming the senior director for counterterrorism. In his memoir, Patel reflected on his initial awe during meetings with Trump in the Oval Office, which evolved into a strong bond that surpassed typical professional relationships. A senior official commented that Patel gained a reputation for bypassing traditional channels within the White House, establishing “a direct line” to Trump.
This direct connection could hold significant implications for Trump. Should Patel receive Senate confirmation, the author of a book critiquing political interference at the FBI might initiate a new era of politically charged actions. Trump has indicated intentions to leverage the Department of Justice to target his adversaries. Patel has expressed his desire to overhaul the upper echelons of the FBI and even proposed relocating the FBI headquarters outside of Washington, in addition to suggesting he would confront journalists directly.
However, Patel’s confirmation is not a certainty. Current FBI Director Christopher Wray, appointed by Trump in 2017, has nearly three years remaining in his ten-year tenure and would need to resign or be dismissed for Patel to assume the position.
Skepticism regarding Patel’s capability to lead 10,000 special agents at the FBI—charged with protecting the public against threats like terrorism, organized crime, political corruption, and foreign adversaries such as China—persists in the Senate. Trump’s former Defense Secretary, Mark Esper, voiced his criticism of Patel in his memoir, alleging that he jeopardized a SEAL Team Six mission to rescue an American hostage in Nigeria by falsely claiming approval from the Nigerian government. Moreover, when Trump attempted to appoint Patel as deputy FBI director during his first term, then-Attorney General Bill Barr reportedly opposed the decision vehemently. Republican Senator Susan Collins from Maine has expressed her intention to hear Patel testify publicly before making any determinations and plans to scrutinize his FBI background check.
