Summary
Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI director pick, has no FBI experience but is deeply tied to far-right media, frequently hosting Steve Bannon’s podcast.
Patel promotes conspiracy theories, including claims of Chinese election interference and a “two-tiered justice system” targeting Trump allies. He has called for extreme measures, like arresting Attorney General Merrick Garland, and keeps a literal enemies list in his book Government Gangsters.
Critics compare Patel to J. Edgar Hoover, warning of potential abuses of federal power under his leadership. His proposals include prosecuting political opponents and journalists.
Patel’s nomination reflects Trump’s broader anti-establishment approach to governance.
Glad I remembered correctly. There’s probably something else than that singular incident (like, to use a term he probably hates, microaggresions) but it really does sound like his villain origin story.
One must wonder: What turns someone into a Kash Patel vs. a Bernie Sanders type?