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The only American to lead both the CIA and FBI has called on the United States Senate to reject President-elect Donald Trump’s nominations of Kash Patel for FBI Director and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence.
Some shit you should know before you read: Shortly after defeating Vice President Kamala Harris, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kash Patel for FBI Director and Tulsi Gabbard for Director of National Intelligence, sparking a mixed response from supporters and critics. Supporters of Patel argue that his national security experience under both Republican and Democratic administrations and praised his commitment to reforming the FBI, which he claims is plagued by “deep state” influence. Critics argue that Patel’s strong loyalty to Trump raises serious concerns about his ability to enforce the rule of law impartially. Similarly, Gabbard’s supporters praise her two decades of military service and intelligence oversight during her time in Congress. However, critics point to her limited leadership experience in the intelligence community and controversial views on Syria and Russia.
What’s going on now: In a letter addressed to Senate lawmakers, William Webster, who uniquely served as both FBI Director and CIA Director under presidents from both political parties, raised concerns about President-elect Donald Trump’s nominations of Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard to lead the FBI and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI). Webster stressed the critical need for nonpartisan leadership in these roles, warning that the nominations could jeopardize the integrity of US intelligence and law enforcement. In regards to Patel, Webster wrote, “While Mr. Patel’s intelligence and patriotism are commendable, his close political alignment with President Trump raises serious concerns about impartiality and integrity.” He also criticized Patel’s history of following Trump’s directives, stating that this “suggests a loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law—a dangerous precedent for an agency tasked with impartial enforcement of justice.”
Webster was equally critical of Gabbard, citing her inexperience in intelligence and controversial foreign policy positions. Webster wrote, “Congresswoman Gabbard’s profound lack of intelligence experience and the daunting task of overseeing 18 disparate intelligence agencies further highlight the need for seasoned leadership,” he said. Stressing the broader implications of her nomination, Webster added, “Without that trust, our ability to safeguard sensitive secrets and collaborate internationally is severely diminished.… This is no time in world history for a novice in the field to learn this role.”
This all comes as Patel and Gabbard continue to meet with Senate lawmakers on Capitol Hill ahead of their upcoming confirmation hearings, where they will need a simple majority of 51 votes to secure their nominations.
