Kash Patel's career shift was catalyzed by a 2016 incident where a federal judge berated him for not wearing a tie to court, and the Department of Justice declined to defend him publicly. This event made him feel the system was rigged and led him to seek out conservative leaders he deemed strong, like Devin Nunes, which eventually aligned him with Trump's agenda.
Kash Patel's involvement with conspiracy theories and Trump's inner circle was driven by his belief that he was the only one standing against the deep state. His work with Devin Nunes on the Russia investigation and his promotion to the National Security Council solidified his role as a key figure in Trump's efforts to expose perceived corruption.
Kash Patel's nomination as FBI director is controversial due to his lack of experience, his history of promoting conspiracy theories, and his threats against the media. Firing the current FBI director, Christopher Wray, who has two years left in his term, is also seen as an alarming break from norms.
Kash Patel faced difficulties finding work after the first Trump administration because his reputation was tarnished by his association with conspiracy theories and his controversial actions. This led him to commodify his association with Trump through various side hustles, including selling branded merchandise and writing books.
Kash Patel's threat to come after the media and perceived enemies is concerning because of his history of promoting conspiracy theories and his willingness to use his position to pursue personal vendettas. His actions in the past, such as his involvement in the Italy Gate conspiracy, show that he is willing to act on his whims, even if they are baseless.
Elena Plot Calabro believes Kash Patel will have a role in Trump's second term because of Trump's repeated attempts to elevate him to powerful positions, such as deputy FBI director and deputy CIA director. Trump's trust in Patel and his willingness to find ways to install him in key roles, even bypassing confirmation processes, suggests he will find a way to give Patel significant power.
Over the weekend, president-elect Donald Trump nominated a little-known, largely inexperienced civil servant to an enormous role in his upcoming administration – Kash Patel as FBI director.
Firing current FBI director Christopher Wray, who has 2 years left in his 10 year term, would itself be an alarming break in norms. Atlantic staff writer Elaina Plott Calabro), profiled Kash Patel in August, chartint his rise to power, starting at the very beginning of his legal career. She explains how he came to loathe the media, and love Trump.
Further reading:
"The Man Who Will Do Anything For Trump)," by Elaina Plott Calabro
"What the FBI Has Done, and Kash Patel Could Do)," by Jon Allsop
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