Kash Patel: reshaping the FBI

February 28, 2025 by Yassin Fawaz

Graphic: Day By Day Cartoon, Chris Muir, used with permission

“I know that you, the dedicated men and women of the FBI, are courageous warriors of justice. I will always have your backs, because you have the backs of the American people. I look forward to serving with you in the years to come.”

These powerful words from Kash Patel’s message to the FBI workforce set the tone for his leadership as the newly confirmed FBI Director. While his words conveyed a promise of unity and transparency, the early actions of his tenure suggest a director ready to make bold and decisive changes, regardless of the political cost.

Patel’s confirmation, secured by a 51-49 vote in February 2025, marks a significant moment. For many, it represents a much-needed correction to an FBI that has been criticized for its politicization, its perceived bias, and its failure to fully serve the American people. As a staunch ally of President Donald Trump, Patel’s leadership promises to usher in a new era of reform—one focused on restoring integrity to the FBI while dismantling the entrenched power structures that have contributed to the Bureau’s fractured reputation.

The Case for Kash Patel

Patel’s career trajectory is emblematic of his worldview: an outsider challenging the establishment. A former federal prosecutor and defense lawyer, he gained national prominence in 2017 as a senior counsel for the House Intelligence Committee, where he played a key role in investigating the FBI’s handling of the Trump-Russia probe. His unyielding approach to exposing what he saw as flaws within the FBI led him to become a key Trump ally, and his role in pushing for declassification efforts reinforced his reputation as someone who champions transparency in government.

In addition to his legal expertise, Patel has held several significant positions that have equipped him with a deep understanding of both domestic and national security issues. He served as Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council, where he was responsible for shaping U.S. counterterrorism strategy and coordinating efforts to combat global threats. This role put Patel at the center of U.S. counterterrorism efforts and gave him invaluable insight into the complexities of global security challenges.

Patel’s national security experience was further solidified during his time as Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, where he contributed to the nation’s intelligence efforts and coordinated critical operations involving the intelligence community. This role enhanced his expertise in dealing with intelligence operations, cybersecurity threats, and espionage concerns—areas that are increasingly critical for the FBI in the digital age.

Patel’s experience as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Secretary of Defense further bolsters his qualifications to lead the FBI. During his tenure at the Pentagon, he played a pivotal role in overseeing defense operations and working with the Department of Defense on security matters that intersect with both national security and law enforcement. His leadership within the Department of Defense gives him the operational knowledge and strategic mindset necessary to address the multifaceted security challenges that the FBI faces today.

Patel’s extensive background in national security and his ability to lead large-scale operations make him uniquely positioned to guide the FBI as it continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of both domestic law enforcement and global threats.

A Proven Champion for Reform

Patel’s rise to the position of FBI Director is not an accident; it is the culmination of years spent challenging the status quo in Washington. His role in exposing the flaws in the FBI’s Russia investigation and his tireless pursuit of transparency made him a figure of immense influence among conservatives. As a senior counsel on the House Intelligence Committee, Patel was at the forefront of pushing for the declassification of key documents that revealed the FBI’s overreach in the investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 election. He exposed critical flaws, including the dubious handling of the Steele dossier and the politicized nature of certain investigations, making him a hero to those who believe the FBI had overstepped its bounds.

His dedication to transparency, accountability, and fairness has long defined his public service. And while many have questioned his ability to lead due to his loyalty to President Trump, it is precisely that loyalty, and the alignment of his goals with those of the American people, that make Patel the right person to lead the FBI at this critical moment.

Bold Leadership and Immediate Change

Kash Patel’s first moments inside the FBI headquarters were a clear indication that he intended to make significant changes, starting from day one. Despite the conciliatory tone of his message, where he promised he’d “always have their backs,” sources revealed that his initial actions sent a very different message. When Patel arrived at the Hoover Building, staff members who had worked under the previous director were reportedly told to pack up their desks and leave before his arrival. This included personnel working in the director’s office on the seventh floor—many of whom were reassigned to other roles within the Bureau.

Patel’s approach, while firm, is consistent with his message to the FBI workforce: that he will “always have their backs” but will also take necessary steps to restore integrity to the Bureau. These moves reflect Patel’s commitment to reform. He understands that to restore the FBI’s credibility, he must first address its internal culture and ensure that those who have contributed to its politicization are removed. The sweeping changes on his first day set the stage for a leadership style that will be marked by bold, controversial decisions.

As part of his commitment to reform, Patel has also expressed concerns about the FBI’s Intelligence Division. He believes the division has strayed too far from its original purpose and must be realigned to focus more effectively on counterterrorism, counterintelligence, and cyber threats. His criticisms are grounded in the belief that the intelligence community must prioritize its core national security objectives without being influenced by politics. Patel's approach reflects his desire to refocus the FBI on its foundational mission and streamline its operations to meet the evolving security needs of the nation.

A Vision of Decentralization and Accountability

One of the most striking aspects of Patel’s vision for the FBI is his emphasis on decentralization. Over the years, the FBI’s bureaucracy has ballooned, with more than 37,000 employees spread across 55 U.S. field offices and over 60 international locations. While the agency’s vast reach is necessary for tackling global threats, the growing bureaucracy has created inefficiencies and has distanced the FBI from the communities it serves.

Patel’s plan to refocus resources on local field offices and reduce the power of the Washington bureaucracy is a critical step in making the FBI more effective in its mission to protect the American people. By sending agents across the country to focus on grassroots law enforcement, Patel intends to prioritize the FBI’s core mission: fighting crime, counterterrorism, and other threats to national security.

This plan builds on the FBI’s existing efforts to reduce its Washington footprint, with moves already in place to expand its operations in Huntsville, Alabama. With expectations to increase the workforce there from 2,000 to 5,000 by the end of the decade, Patel’s decentralization proposal aligns perfectly with the FBI’s long-term strategy to shift resources to regions where they are needed most.

Purging Corruption and Restoring Trust

At the heart of Patel’s reform agenda is his commitment to purging corruption from the FBI. His call to remove individuals who have abused their power for political gain is not just about cleaning house; it’s about restoring trust in an institution that has become synonymous with scandal and partisanship.

Patel’s remarks on the FBI’s management have been pointed. During an appearance on The Shawn Ryan Show, Patel boldly stated that he would “shut down the FBI Hoover Building on Day 1 and reopen it the next day as a museum of the ‘deep state.’” While this may have been a rhetorical flourish, it underscores his belief that the FBI must be restructured and refocused on its original mandate. This vision of purging political influences and putting agents back on the frontlines is one that has resonated with many of his supporters.

Critics of the FBI have long argued that the agency’s leadership has been compromised by political agendas. Whether it was the handling of the Russia probe or other politically charged investigations, many have believed that the Bureau has failed to live up to its impartial role as an institution that serves the public interest. Patel’s promise to eliminate retribution against political opponents and lead with fairness and justice is a direct response to these concerns. His focus on transparency and accountability is key to rebuilding the public’s trust in the FBI.

A Director for the Future

Patel is poised to tackle the nation’s premier law enforcement agency with an agenda that reflects his unflinching commitment to transparency, accountability, and reforms that many Americans believe are long overdue.

For years, the FBI has been embroiled in controversy, caught in the crossfire of political warfare. Critics, particularly from the right, have accused the agency of overreach and bias in its investigations of conservative figures, most notably Trump himself. This perception of a “deep state” within the FBI—the idea that unelected officials work to undermine the will of the people—has gained traction among a sizable portion of the American public. Patel, with his combative rhetoric and willingness to challenge entrenched powers, represents the antithesis of the status quo. His confirmation marks the dawn of a new era in which the FBI, long seen as an arm of the establishment, could undergo a much-needed transformation.

While Patel’s confirmation marks a new chapter for the FBI, it also signals a broader shift in how the agency will operate. His leadership will be defined by a commitment to transparency, national security, and the rule of law. The FBI under Patel will be an institution focused on serving the American people—not political elites or special interests.

Patel’s appointment is not just a win for Trump supporters—it is a victory for anyone who believes in the need for accountability and reform in government institutions. With his bold vision for decentralization, transparency, and a renewed focus on law enforcement, Kash Patel is poised to lead the FBI into a new era—one that is defined by trust, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

The challenges ahead will be immense, but Patel has shown time and again that he is unafraid to confront the tough battles head-on. The American people are counting on him to restore the FBI’s credibility, and with Patel at the helm, that restoration is not just possible—it is inevitable.