Lawmakers, former officials react to Trump’s FBI director pick Kash Patel

President-elect Trump’s decision to nominate Kash Patel to serve as FBI director has sparked mixed reactions from lawmakers and former officials, with Republicans praising the controversial pick.

“It's a terrible development for the men and women of the FBI and also for the nation that depends on a highly functioning professional independent Federal Bureau of Investigation,” former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said on CNN Saturday night.

“The fact that Kash Patel is profoundly unqualified for this job is not even like a matter for debate. So I think what we should, what we should really be thinking about right now is what does this signal in terms of Donald Trump's intent for the FBI.”

He later added that Patel’s leadership would “disrupt,” “dismantle” and “distract” the agency. While McCabe condemned Trump’s choice, others applauded the pick.

“Kash is America’s choice as Director of the FBI. Accountability is coming. Congratulations and well deserved,” Mike Flynn, who for a brief stint served as Trump’s National Security Advisor, posted on X. 

Texas Congressman Troy E. Nichols (R) called Patel an “excellent pick" while former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz (R), who withdrew his name from consideration for the attorney general post, also spoke in favor of Patel’s leadership.

“He's been on side against some of the worst abuses of the FISA [Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act] system. Kash Patel can help clean up all the things that we've seen that are wrong,” Gaetz said in a video posted to X.

“Kash, we're with you all the way. Do great things, and we've all got your back.”

Members of the GOP, including Trump, have an affinity for Patel after he backed the former president throughout his impeachment investigations and was accused of withholding information pertaining to the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection from the Department of Defense.

Following Trump’s announcement, Tom Homan, his designated “border czar,” said some FBI agents would “self deport” from the agency. 

However, Patel still has to face a confirmation hearing with the Senate before his position is finalized.

“Kash Patel will be another test of the Senate’s power of advice and consent,” Sen. Chris Coons (D) wrote on X. 

“Patel needs to prove to the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has the right qualifications and, despite his past statements, will put our nation’s public safety over a political agenda focused on retribution.”