Trump's Threat to FBI Independence: Kash Patel's Nomination Explained

The Unwritten Rule

For over four decades, the FBI director has been a position above politics. A new president might choose a political ally as attorney general, but the FBI director was different. This unwritten rule has been a cornerstone of American democracy, ensuring that the FBI remains an independent institution, free from presidential interference.

The Danger of Trump's Nomination

Yesterday, Trump announced his intention to fire FBI Director Christopher Wray and replace him with Kash Patel, a person notorious for his cringing deference to Trump's wishes. This move threatens to turn the FBI into an instrument of personal presidential power, undermining the independence of the institution and the rule of law.

The Patel Nomination: A Recipe for Disaster

Kash Patel's nomination is a recipe for disaster. As reported by Elaina Plott Calabro, when President Trump entertained naming Patel deputy director of the FBI, Attorney General Bill Barr confronted the White House chief of staff and said, "Over my dead body." Patel's demerits are numerous, and his nomination is a clear indication of Trump's intention to politicize the FBI.

The Firing of Wray: The Real Outrage

The firing of Wray is the real outrage. The obnoxious nomination of Patel is merely the icing on the cake. Trump's move to fire Wray is a clear attempt to undermine the independence of the FBI and turn it into a tool for his personal gain.

A Pattern of Institutional Destruction

Trump's nomination of Patel is part of a larger pattern of institutional destruction. Throughout law-enforcement and national-security agencies, Trump is trashing institutions and replacing them with whim. His picks are selected for obedience only, with merit, competence, and integrity being active disqualifiers.

The Great Test

The American constitutional system is facing its greatest test. Will Wray meekly accept termination or will he defend the bureau from Trump's second and bolder attempt to pervert it? Will Senate Republicans ratify Trump's attack on the separation of law enforcement from politics? Will federal courts grant warrants to an FBI that seeks warrants and makes arrests because the president told it to?

The Consequences of Failure

If Trump succeeds in his attempt to politicize the FBI, the consequences will be dire. The seizure of power he unsuccessfully attempted in 2021 could be underway in 2025. The American people voted for cheaper eggs, but they will get only noise, conflict, and chaos.

A Constitutional Scandal Greater Than Watergate

Trump's nomination of Patel is a constitutional scandal greater than Watergate. If successful, it will undermine the rule of law and the independence of the FBI, threatening the very foundations of American democracy.

Tables:

Lists:

• Trump's Picks for National Security Agencies:
  • Secretary of Defense: An ideological crank accused of abusing women
  • CIA Director: A hyper-partisan who selectively declassified information to discredit Trump's opponents
  • Director of National Intelligence: A longtime apologist for Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria and Vladimir Putin's war of aggression in Ukraine
• The Consequences of Trump's Nomination:
  • Undermining the independence of the FBI
  • Politicizing law enforcement
  • Threatening the rule of law
  • Undermining national security
  • Creating a constitutional crisis greater than Watergate