Trump’s FBI Pick Kash Patel: Plans to Target Media and 'Deep-State' Leaks

Kash Patel, Trump’s nominee for FBI director, has pledged to target journalists and government officials involved in leaks. Critics fear his aggressive stance against the media could undermine press freedom and politicize law enforcement.

President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel as the next FBI director. Patel, a close ally of Trump and known for his staunch criticism of the federal bureaucracy, has previously expressed intentions to clamp down on both government officials and journalists involved in information leaks.

In a 2023 interview with Steve Bannon, Patel vowed to target “conspirators not just in government but in the media,” specifically those who, according to him, participated in efforts to undermine Trump’s administration. He promised aggressive legal action against journalists, stating, “We’re going to come after you, whether it’s criminally or civilly.”

Patel has been vocal about his mistrust of the media, once calling it "the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen" during investigations into Russian interference in the 2016 election. He also indicated plans to reduce the FBI’s footprint, including shutting down its headquarters.

The nomination signals a sharp shift from the tenure of outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray, under whom Trump faced several federal investigations, including the Mar-a-Lago classified documents case. Patel’s potential leadership raises concerns among critics about the politicization of law enforcement and threats to press freedom.

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In addition to Patel, Trump has chosen other loyalists, such as Pam Bondi for Attorney General, indicating a broader strategy to align key institutions with his administration’s vision.