Cornyn indicated his belief that Patel will gain Senate confirmation, citing his extensive investigative and leadership background.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) voiced confidence on Thursday that Kash Patel will surpass the Senate confirmation process to become the next FBI director, following his nomination by President-elect Donald Trump.
Cornyn was
questioned by conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on December 5 about his thoughts on Patel’s chances of being confirmed to head the FBI.
“Absolutely, he will,” the Texas Republican answered. “Individuals I hold in high regard … have highly recommended him.”
Cornyn noted that he’s still in the process of organizing a direct meeting with Patel while commending his qualifications, which include collaborating with the House Intelligence Committee on the investigation into purported Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
In April 2017, Patel joined the committee as an aide to chairman Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.),
playing a critical role in the committee’s investigation into the FBI’s inquiry regarding unfounded allegations of a criminal conspiracy involving the Trump campaign and Russia aimed at influencing the 2016 election outcome in favor of Trump. Patel was pivotal in drafting the “Nunes memo,” which claimed that the FBI misused its authority to obtain a surveillance warrant against Carter Page, a former Trump campaign advisor.
Patel possesses “immense experience, including his work on the House Intelligence Committee regarding the Russiagate scandal and the Steele dossier controversy, so [I] anticipate meeting with him,” Cornyn conveyed to Hewitt during Thursday’s conversation.
The Steele
dossier, compiled by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele and funded by a law firm representing Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential campaign, contained various scandalous allegations against Trump. This dossier, which was leaked to the press and became central to the “Russian collusion” narrative aimed at Trump, was intentionally fabricated as part of a scheme against him, which Patel described in his book “Government Gangsters” as “the biggest criminal conspiracy by government officials since Watergate.”
Trump’s Nov. 30
announcement of Patel’s nomination for FBI director highlighted his critical involvement in uncovering what Trump termed “the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax.” The president-elect praised Patel as a proponent of truth, accountability, and the U.S. Constitution, describing him as a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ advocate who has dedicated his career to exposing corruption, defending Justice, and safeguarding the American People.”
Patel, a former federal public defender and Department of Justice (DOJ) attorney, has also held
prominent roles in national security, including positions at the National Security Council and the Department of Defense. He is recognized as a bestselling author and a former
host on EpochTV, noted for his critiques of governmental corruption.
If confirmed as FBI director, Patel’s leadership at the agency could signify a notable transformation in its culture and operations.
Current FBI Director Christopher Wray has held the position since 2017, after Trump dismissed James Comey and appointed Wray. Before his current role, Wray worked as a federal prosecutor and a Justice Department official. Typically, FBI directors are appointed for a 10-year term, implying that Wray may need to conclude his tenure prematurely.
