Controversy Surrounds Kash Patel’s Nomination for FBI Director
Amidst growing tensions and divisions, Joe Lombardo has publicly supported Kash Patel for the position of FBI Director. This endorsement comes despite strong opposition from former Trump officials who warn about the potential negative impact on the FBI if Patel is appointed. Patel has a limited management background and has been dubbed Trump’s “political executioner.” His nomination has sparked bipartisan criticism, including comparisons to historical figures with notorious reputations.
“Joe Lombardo should know better than to support the nomination of an unqualified, far-right conspiracy theorist who promised to prosecute Donald Trump’s political opponents to lead the nation’s top law enforcement agency,” stated Nevada State Democratic Party spokesperson Tai Sims. “While Democrats are laser-focused on the 2025 legislative session and delivering for working-class families, Joe Lombardo is already bending the knee in favor of Donald Trump’s extreme agenda, jeopardizing Americans’ safety just to score political points.”
Kash Patel’s Controversial Promises
- “Patel asserted how he would handle reporters if he were put in power. ‘We’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections,’ Patel said then. ‘Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’ll figure that out.’” [NBC News, 12/4/24]
- Patel has also vowed that, should Trump return to power, he would target political rivals, including those he believes contributed to undermining the 2020 election results without evidence. [BBC, 12/2/24]
- In January, Patel suggested Dr. Anthony Fauci should be the first to be investigated, calling him “deserving of an entire investigation.” [NBC News, 12/8/24]
- The Kash Foundation, a nonprofit linked to Patel, reportedly provides financial aid to families of those charged in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot. [New York Times, 11/30/24]
Concerns from Former Trump Officials
- Former US Attorney General Bill Barr recalled opposing Patel’s appointment to a senior FBI role, stating, “I categorically opposed making Patel deputy FBI director. I told Mark Meadows it would happen ‘over my dead body.'” [BBC, 12/2/24]
- John Bolton, Trump’s former National Security Adviser, criticized the nomination, likening Patel to a notorious secret police chief. [CBS News, 12/2/24]
- Former FBI Special Agent Daniel Brunner warned that Patel’s appointment could inflict “massive damage” on the FBI, emphasizing Patel’s lack of leadership experience, comparing it to leading “a Cub Scout pack.” [The Hill, 11/18/24]
- From 2021 to 2023, Patel collaborated with The Epoch Times, known for far-right conspiracy theories and alleged financial misconduct by a top executive. [NBC News, 12/8/24]
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