Jason Miller, a senior advisor to President-elect Trump, used the phrase “Pound Town” to describe how FBI director nominee Kash Patel would handle questioning from Democrats during his confirmation hearing. This comment followed Attorney General nominee Pam Bondi’s testimony, where she endorsed Patel but avoided commenting on his controversial past statements, including his amplification of QAnon conspiracy theories and his plans to overhaul the FBI. Miller’s remark sparked significant online reaction, with many focusing on the ambiguous and potentially offensive nature of the phrase. The controversy highlights the contentious nature of Patel’s nomination and the ongoing political tensions.
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Senator Adam Schiff opposes Kash Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI, citing the New Year’s Day attack in New Orleans as evidence of the need for an experienced and impartial director. Schiff criticizes Patel’s lack of qualifications and promotion of conspiracy theories, including claims of a “stolen” 2020 election and a “deep state” plot. Conversely, Senator John Thune expressed belief that Patel could reform the FBI and restore public trust, though he declined to state his vote on confirmation. Patel’s past statements vowing to retaliate against Trump’s perceived enemies further fuel Schiff’s opposition.
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A former FBI director, a figurehead from the Reagan era, is expressing significant concerns regarding the potential appointments of Tulsi Gabbard and Kash Patel to positions of power. The concerns stem from a range of issues, raising serious questions about their suitability for such roles.
The director’s cautionary remarks about Kash Patel highlight Patel’s controversial past and his promotion of various conspiracy theories. His book, “Deep State Gangsters,” praised by Donald Trump, is seen as promoting unfounded allegations against the government. Patel’s advocacy of election denial, anti-vaccine sentiments, and QAnon conspiracy theories are cited as further reasons for concern. His past involvement with the Nunes Memo, an effort to discredit the FBI’s Russia investigation, and his support for the idea of suing journalists add to the apprehension.… Continue reading
Kash Patel’s nomination as FBI director has raised concerns among former FBI officials due to his lack of experience and potential for unchecked power. With Republican support secured and the current director’s impending resignation, Patel’s confirmation is highly likely. Former officials warn that this could lead to partisan investigations, manipulation of background checks, and access to sensitive files, all without the typical oversight mechanisms. Patel’s close ties to Trump and shared distrust of the FBI exacerbate these concerns, potentially jeopardizing the bureau’s integrity and operational effectiveness.
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An investigation by Accountable.US reveals that the Kash Foundation, founded by Donald Trump’s former nominee for FBI director Kash Patel, prioritizes sales of MAGA merchandise through a related online store over charitable giving. This arrangement, involving foundation vice president Andrew Ollis, raises concerns of potential conflicts of interest and self-enrichment. Critics allege the foundation’s activities constitute a “cynical cash grab” leveraging Patel’s political connections. However, the Kash Foundation maintains its operations are fully compliant with conflict of interest policies.
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FBI Director Christopher Wray announced his resignation, effective January, clearing the path for President-elect Trump to appoint his preferred candidate, Kash Patel. Wray’s departure follows increasing criticism from Trump regarding FBI investigations into the former president. These investigations, which led to two dropped federal prosecutions due to DOJ policy, involved Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election and handling of classified documents. Trump lauded Wray’s resignation, while simultaneously praising Patel’s qualifications for the directorship.
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Kash Patel doesn’t belong at the FBI. The sheer audacity of even suggesting his placement within such a critical agency speaks volumes about the individual making the appointment. The lack of qualifications, the potential for partisan bias, and the overall sense of unsuitability are deeply concerning.
Kash Patel’s appointment reeks of political maneuvering, not a genuine concern for the integrity of the FBI. It seems designed to undermine the agency’s independence and its ability to serve the public without political interference. This is a dangerous precedent that should not be tolerated.
The notion that Kash Patel might be qualified for such a high-ranking position within the FBI is frankly absurd.… Continue reading
Trump’s F.B.I. pick, Kash Patel, has openly declared a list of political opponents he intends to target. The sheer existence of this “enemies list” raises serious concerns about the weaponization of the FBI under a potential Trump administration. This isn’t simply about partisan politics; it’s about the potential for abuse of power on a massive scale.
The idea of preemptive pardons, specifically for those on Patel’s list, is a complex one. While it might seem like a radical solution, it’s a direct response to a situation that demands drastic measures. A blanket pardon could be seen as an admission of guilt by those pardoned, and might not even deter a determined administration hellbent on retribution.… Continue reading
Kash Patel’s nomination to replace FBI Director Wray fails two crucial tests. The author, reflecting on their own 1977 consideration for the directorship, emphasizes the need for a director possessing a “good sense of humor”—indicating self-awareness and the ability to recognize fallibility—a quality conspicuously absent in Patel. Further, the author’s assertion that if they were the best candidate, the country would be in dire straits, highlights Patel’s lack of qualifications compared to other potential candidates. This lack of experience and judgment renders Patel unsuitable for the position. The Senate should reject Patel’s nomination.
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Former President Trump’s potential post-presidency actions pose a significant threat to press freedom. Key figures like Kash Patel, slated for a powerful FBI role, intend to use government agencies to investigate and potentially punish media outlets deemed critical of Trump. This strategy involves leveraging the FCC, the DOJ’s anti-drug division, and other government tools to suppress dissenting voices. This approach builds upon Trump’s prior behavior of using right-wing media to target perceived enemies, triggering investigations and further silencing criticism. The resulting pressure on government officials to act on these threats creates a volatile and dangerous situation for the media.
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