President elect Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), marking him as the highest-ranking Indian American in Trump’s incoming administration. Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, his social media platform, on Saturday.
“Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel is an exceptional lawyer and investigator who embodies the ‘America First’ vision,” Trump stated. “He has dedicated his career to uncovering corruption, upholding justice, and protecting the American people.”
Patel, 44, a close confidante of Trump, gained prominence for his role in exposing what Trump referred to as the “Russia Hoax.” Previously, Patel served as Chief of Staff to the Acting U.S. Secretary of Defense and held other senior positions in intelligence and counterterrorism during Trump’s first term.
Trump praised Patel’s record, highlighting his experience in trying over 60 jury trials and his leadership roles at the Department of Defense and National Security Council. “Kash will bring back fidelity, bravery, and integrity to the FBI,” Trump said, adding that Patel will work closely with incoming Attorney General Pam Bondi to address crime, dismantle criminal gangs, and combat human and drug trafficking.
Born to Gujarati parents who emigrated from East Africa, Patel grew up in Queens, New York. After completing law school, he served as a public defender and later as an international terrorism prosecutor at the Department of Justice. His career trajectory took him to Washington, where he played pivotal roles in counterterrorism operations and investigations, including leading the GOP-backed probe into alleged misconduct in the Russia investigation.
Patel’s nomination underscores Trump’s commitment to reshaping federal law enforcement. In his book Government Gangsters, Patel criticised the U S bureaucracy, accusing it of fostering a “two-tier system of justice.” He has also been vocal against the Biden administration, claiming it perpetuates corruption within the federal government.
A staunch advocate for strong U S -India relations, Patel participated in the Houston and Ahmedabad rallies featuring Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Patel praised their bilateral efforts to counter Chinese aggression and strengthen economic ties, which he claimed have deteriorated under the Biden administration.
Patel, an avid ice hockey player and youth coach, has described his journey as one driven by public service and accountability. If confirmed, he will lead the FBI into a new chapter, with Trump vowing reforms aimed at restoring public trust in federal law enforcement.