The National Police Association on Friday gave its “full support” for President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of longtime adviser Kash Patel for FBI director as conservatives clamor to back him against liberal critics.
Patel, 44, brings a wealth of experience as a former public defender and later attorney for the US Justice Department’s national security division.
He also served in multiple intelligence and national security roles in the president-elect’s first administration.
“Kash Patel’s extensive career in national security, law enforcement, and public service has demonstrated his unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law, defending justice, and protecting the American people,” the law enforcement nonprofit said in the statement.
“Throughout his distinguished career, Kash Patel has consistently prioritized transparency, accountability, and the safety of our nation.”
The New York native is known for his deep loyalty to Trump — which has made him a target of the left despite serving as a National Security Council official, senior adviser to the acting director of national intelligence, and later, chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense.
“His experience as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense underscores his readiness to lead with integrity, strategy, and an unyielding focus on national security,” the NPA said.
While former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe boldly claimed that Patel should not run the bureau because he was “an outsider with no experience in the organization,” the NPA touted that his time as a federal prosecutor made him distinctly qualified for the position.
McCabe earned the 45th president’s ire for juicing the FBI’s Trump-Russia collusion probe, pursuing the debunked Steele dossier — and was ultimately fired as acting director for leaking sensitive case information to a reporter.
“He worked alongside law enforcement to dismantle international drug trafficking organizations, combat violent crime, and bring dangerous offenders to justice,” the NPA said in its statement of Patel.
“His tenure as a legal liaison to the Joint Special Operations Command further illustrates his ability to operate effectively in high-stakes environments, forging critical partnerships across federal, state, and local agencies.”
It further heralded his work as senior counsel to the House Intelligence Committee, saying he “showcased his dedication to ensuring the integrity of our nation’s institutions.”
“By exposing misconduct and advocating for ethical oversight, he earned the trust and respect of countless law enforcement professionals,” the organization said.
“The law enforcement community knows that effective leadership at the FBI is essential for building public trust and enhancing coordination across all levels of policing,” the NPA also said.
“Kash Patel’s proven record of leadership, expertise in counterterrorism and intelligence, and ability to navigate complex legal and operational challenges make him the ideal candidate to restore faith in the FBI’s mission and ensure it remains a steadfast ally to our nation’s police forces.”
The lauding comes as some media outlets, such as CNN, have attempted to smear Patel for his past appearances on conservative podcasts and the publication, in his 2023 book “Government Gangsters,” of an enemies list to be pursued in a second Trump administration.
“By choosing Kash Patel as his FBI Director, Trump has made it clear that he is more focused on settling personal scores than on protecting the American people or upholding the rule of law,” Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) responded in a statement on Wednesday.
“We firmly believe that Kash Patel’s appointment as FBI Director will mark a pivotal moment for law enforcement and public safety across the United States,” the organization countered in its statement. “His leadership will bring a renewed focus on collaboration, ethical standards, and the relentless pursuit of justice.”
“We are confident that under his stewardship, the FBI will thrive in its vital mission to protect and serve the American people.”
