President Donald Trump‘s choose to run the FBI, Kash Patel, was confirmed in February 2025.
It was later revealed that Patel had additionally served as appearing director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), an company beneath the Division of Justice. The twin position was extremely uncommon, and information of his elimination from the ATF put up on April 9—with none public clarification—caught many without warning.
Nevertheless, White Home spokesman Harrison Fields clarified in a press release: “Director Kash Patel was briefly designated ATF Director whereas awaiting Senate confirmations — a typical, short-term transfer.” Patel was changed by U.S. Military Secretary Daniel Driscoll, who will now serve in each roles concurrently.
Be taught extra about Patel beneath.
Who Is Kash Patel?
Patel, the son of Indian immigrants, is a former public defender who rose by means of senior nationwide safety roles throughout Trump’s first time period. In 2018, he served as an aide to Rep. Devin Nunes, the highest Republican on the Home Intelligence Committee, the place he gained Trump’s favor through the Russia investigation. Trump praised Patel for this in his social media put up, stating he “performed a pivotal position in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for fact, accountability, and the Structure.” In 2019, Patel joined the Nationwide Safety Council earlier than turning into chief of employees to the appearing protection secretary within the ultimate yr of Trump’s first time period.
Since then, Patel has been a vocal Trump supporter, selling the false declare that the 2020 election was “stolen” and pushing the baseless “deep state” conspiracy idea. He has alleged that federal officers sought to undermine the president and referred to as for changing “anti-democratic” civil servants in regulation enforcement and intelligence with “patriots” loyal to the American individuals. In his 2023 memoir, Authorities Gangsters, Patel described the political local weather as a “battle between the individuals and a corrupt ruling class,” branding the “Deep State” as an unelected cabal bent on controlling the presidency and dictating what People can know. Along with his memoir, Patel has revealed two pro-Trump youngsters’s books.
In November 2024, Trump nominated Patel, a loyalist, to function the following Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, in a collection of controversial Cupboard nominations which have principally been accepted.
“I’m proud to announce that Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel will function the following Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation,” Trump posted on Reality Social when asserting his nominee. “Kash is an excellent lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his profession exposing corruption, defending Justice, and defending the American Individuals.”
What Is Kash Patel’s Web Value?
Patel’s internet price is now an estimated $5 million, in response to Celeb Web Value, a big enhance from the beforehand reported $800,000.
A current monetary disclosure additionally revealed that he earned no less than $2.6 million over the previous yr alone. The first supply of his earnings—over $2.1 million—was nationwide safety, protection, and intelligence consulting by means of his agency, Trishul LLC. Trishul LLC’s purchasers embody Trump Media & Expertise Group, the Embassy of Qatar, and Czech monetary providers firm CSGM. Since 2022, Patel has served on the board of Trump Media & Expertise Group, which owns Reality Social, and in addition holds a consulting contract reportedly price no less than $120,000 yearly.
Patel additionally earned between $145,000 and $1.2 million from his e-book offers.
Is Kash Patel Married?
Patel just isn’t married however is at the moment relationship nation singer and Republican press secretary Alexis Wilkins.
In 2014, in response to The New York Occasions, Patel participated in an Above the Regulation charity bachelor public sale benefiting the Switchboard of Miami however later dropped out after a blogger identified that his regulation license gave the impression to be outdated within the state.
Does Kash Patel Have Youngsters?
Patel doesn’t have any youngsters.
Who Was the Earlier Director of the FBI?
Christopher Wray was the FBI Director earlier than Patel, having been appointed by Trump in 2017. Nevertheless, Wray rapidly misplaced favor with the president and his allies earlier than Trump left workplace in 2021.
Whereas the FBI director place sometimes carries a 10-year time period, Wray’s elimination had been extensively anticipated on account of Trump’s ongoing public criticism of him and the FBI, particularly following the search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago property for categorized paperwork and two investigations that led to his indictment.
On February 20, Patel was narrowly confirmed with a 51-49 vote. Wray had received affirmation in 2017 with 92 votes.
