Suspense builds around Trump’s FBI and CIA deputy picks – Washington Examiner
The article discusses the ongoing suspense surrounding President-elect Donald Trump’s nominations for key positions in his administration, particularly the FBI and CIA. As Trump nears the completion of his Cabinet nominations for a second term, he has yet to appoint a replacement for current FBI Director Christopher Wray.
There’s significant anticipation for Trump’s choice for the CIA’s deputy director, who will be second to John Ratcliffe, Trump’s nominee for CIA director. Former Michigan Representative Mike Rogers was considered a candidate for the FBI director position but faced opposition from Trump’s close allies, leading to his withdrawal from consideration.
Kash Patel, a former adviser in Trump’s first administration and a strong candidate for the FBI role, could face backlash if selected, reminiscent of political controversies surrounding other appointments. Some, including establishment figures, express concern over Patel’s potential leadership role in the FBI. However, notable MAGA supporters advocate for his selection, believing he could effectively enact reforms in law enforcement.
In addition, Patel is also in the running for the CIA’s deputy director role, which would allow him to have significant influence without requiring Senate approval. He faces competition from Cliff Sims, a former Trump advisor. The decisions about these appointments are seen as critical moves signaling Trump’s commitment to reforming the nation’s law enforcement and intelligence sectors in the wake of his legal challenges.
Suspense builds for FBI and CIA deputy picks as Trump fills out his Cabinet
After a recent flurry of administration appointments, President-elect Donald Trump is nearly done with choosing Cabinet nominees for a second White House term.
However, Trump still has yet to name a person for the FBI director who will replace current Director Christopher Wray next year.
Anticipation is also building around Trump’s nominee for deputy director of the Central Intelligence Agency, who will be second in line behind former Rep. John Ratcliffe (R-TX), Trump’s CIA director nominee.
WHAT HAPPENS NOW THAT TRUMP IS PRESIDENT-ELECT
Former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers had been in the running for FBI director, but pushback from MAGA allies eventually led Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff, Dan Scavino, to denounce Rogers.
“Just spoke to President Trump regarding Mike Rogers going to the FBI. It’s not happening — In his own words, “I have never even given it a thought.” Not happening,” Scavino said, shooting down the speculation.
Firebrand Kash Patel is another FBI contender, but if Trump were to tap him, it could engender backlash comparable to former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz’s failed bid as the next attorney general.
Patel served in Trump’s first administration as an adviser on the National Security Council and authored Government Gangsters, which calls for a revamping of the Department of Justice
Establishment figures such as former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe pushed back against a Patel-led FBI.
“No part of the FBI’s mission is safe with Kash Patel in any position of leadership in the FBI and certainly not in the deputy director’s job,” McCabe told CNN’s The Source.
However, key MAGA supporters such as Turning Point Action’s Charlie Kirk said Patel “would make a great FBI Director.”
To bypass a contentious Senate confirmation hearing over Patel, Trump could choose him as deputy director of the CIA, a role that does not require Senate approval. It would still give him a powerful perch to wield large influence over the intelligence community.
However, Patel also faces competition from Cliff Sims, a key member of Trump’s transition team, for the CIA role and has garnered backlash from Trump insiders who think he is planting negative stories against Sims.
Sims previously served as deputy director of National Intelligence for Strategy and Communications and was director of White House Message Strategy under Trump.
The move would likely signal to Trump’s most fervent allies that he is serious about reforming the nation’s top law enforcement departments after Trump has spent years denouncing his legal problems as “lawfare.”
A GOP strategist with close ties to the Trump campaign told the Washington Examiner, “Yes, Trump is serious either way” about tapping Patel for either the FBI or CIA role and revamping how law enforcement works in Washington.
A transition source told Axios, “Kash has a lot of allies who think placing him in a top role would be well-received by the Trump base and send a clear message that Trump is serious about major reform to the justice and law-enforcement agencies.”
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Wray still has three years left as FBI director, but given Trump’s public commitments to reforming law enforcement, he is likely to be pushed out or retire before 2027.
Trump first chose Gaetz as his attorney general nominee precisely because the firebrand lawmaker would not hesitate to clean house in the Justice Department.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Trump transition team for comment. However, his campaign has closely guarded its decisions and even changed nominees after their announcements were leaked to the press.
“President-Elect Trump is making decisions on who will serve in his second Administration. Those decisions will continue to be announced by him when they are made,” said Karoline Leavitt, a Trump spokeswoman.
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