Trump’s Plan to Replace FBI Director Wray With Kash Patel Sparks Bipartisan Concerns
(NBC News)
Donald Trump’s reported intention to remove FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with loyalist Kash Patel has drawn bipartisan skepticism, according to The Washington Post. Trump, who initially appointed Wray in 2017, now appears intent on prematurely ending his 10-year term to install Patel, a staunch ally, as director.
The move has raised concerns across party lines, with many lawmakers questioning the implications for the FBI’s independence. “President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he wants to replace FBI Director Christopher A. Wray with Kash Patel, a staunch loyalist who has vowed to fire the agency’s leadership and dramatically reshape its mission, was met with bipartisan concern that his appointment could undermine the agency’s independence,” wrote The Post’s Holly Bailey, Mariana Alfaro, and Mark Berman on Sunday.
According to the report, both Republicans and Democrats fear that Patel’s appointment could signal an effort by Trump to consolidate power within the FBI and reshape its mission to align with his administration’s agenda. Patel, a controversial figure, has vowed to overhaul the agency and take a more aggressive stance against what Trump’s camp perceives as systemic bias within the justice system.
Senator Mike Rounds (R-SD) expressed cautious support for Trump’s right to make appointments but also praised Wray’s performance as FBI director. “He [Trump] has the right to make appointments, and I’m not surprised he’s picking people that he believes are very loyal to himself,” Rounds said. However, he described Wray as “a very good man” and noted he had no “complaints” or “objections” about Wray’s leadership.
Rounds’ comments defending Wray’s tenure drew backlash from Trump’s loyal MAGA supporters, who criticized him for not fully endorsing Trump’s plan to install Patel. The growing tension highlights the friction within the GOP over Trump’s push to prioritize loyalty in key appointments.
Meanwhile, MAGA fans voiced their own concerns, warning Patel about potential “snakes” in his inner circle. Patel’s prospective nomination has already become a flashpoint in Trump’s transition plans, intensifying debates about the future of the FBI’s independence. As bipartisan unease grows, Patel’s potential confirmation is poised to become a contentious battle that could test the Senate’s resolve to maintain the FBI’s autonomy in a polarized political climate.
