US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel as his pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel, an Indian-American lawyer and Trump loyalist, previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense during Trump’s first term.
In a statement on his platform Truth Social, Trump said, “I am proud to announce that Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.”
Patel, known for his roles across several top national security positions, has also served as Deputy Director of National Intelligence and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council. His legal experience includes over 60 jury trials, adding to his credentials for the role. Patel is set to replace Christopher Wray, who was appointed FBI Director by Trump in 2017 for a ten-year term.
Trump also announced Chad Chronister, sheriff of Florida’s Hillsborough County, as his choice to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
While Patel’s name had been speculated for the CIA director position, Trump instead chose John Ratcliffe, another close ally, for that role. Speaking about Patel’s past contributions, Trump said, “Kash did an incredible job during my first term… His relentless dedication to justice and security is exactly what we need at the FBI.”
If confirmed by the Republican-led Senate, Patel will serve under Attorney General Pam Bondi, another Trump ally. His nomination marks a significant shift in leadership at the FBI and reflects Trump’s broader agenda of reshaping key institutions in line with his “America First” policy framework.