President-elect Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he intends to nominate Kash Patel as the next FBI Director, a move that would replace the current director, Chris Wray. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump described Patel as “a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ advocate” with a career focused on uncovering corruption, defending justice, and protecting American citizens.

Patel’s appointment, however, would require Wray to either step down voluntarily or face dismissal by Trump, as Wray’s term is not set to end until 2027. Trump’s team is reportedly aware of the complexities surrounding the removal of Wray. Additionally, Patel would need to be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before taking office.

Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 after the dismissal of James Comey, has faced increasing scrutiny from the president and his supporters, particularly after the FBI executed a search warrant at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in 2022, as part of an investigation into the former president’s handling of classified documents.

Patel, a former public defender and federal trial attorney, has held several senior positions during Trump’s first term, including chief of staff to the Secretary of Defense and as a senior adviser to the acting Director of National Intelligence. He is well-known for his work with Representative Devin Nunes and his outspoken defense of Trump during the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.

In 2023, Patel published Government Gangsters, a book in which he criticized the FBI, claiming that the agency had become compromised and needed significant reform. Trump has praised Patel’s work, calling it a roadmap to dismantle what he describes as a “Deep State” within the government.

If Patel is confirmed, he would become the third FBI Director to serve under a Trump administration. His appointment would come at a time when the FBI remains a focal point of criticism from Trump and his allies, especially in the aftermath of the Mar-a-Lago investigation.

Patel’s potential leadership of the FBI could mark a significant shift in the agency’s operations. Under his tenure, the FBI could face significant reforms aimed at restructuring the agency, reflecting the ongoing distrust from Trump and his supporters.

This nomination also aligns with Trump’s recent pick for Attorney General, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. Bondi’s nomination follows the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz, who faced confirmation challenges.

Throughout Wray’s leadership, the FBI has focused on countering foreign threats, particularly from China, Russia, and Iran, while also tackling domestic terrorism. Despite criticism from Trump, Wray’s tenure has been defined by efforts to safeguard national security and combat espionage.

Patel’s potential appointment would add another layer of change to the U.S. law enforcement landscape. If confirmed, Patel will inherit a bureau that is both highly respected and highly scrutinized, and his leadership could signal a major shift in the agency’s priorities and approach