Kash Patel: Five Things to Know About Trump’s Indian-Origin Pick for FBI Chief

US President-elect Donald Trump has announced Kash Patel as his nominee for the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Here are five key things to know about him:

1. Born in New York to Indian Parents

Kashyap Pramod Patel, popularly known as Kash Patel, was born to Gujarati-Indian parents in Long Island, New York. Raised as a Hindu, Patel has often spoken about his strong connection to India. He holds an undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice from Richmond University, a law degree from Pace University, and a certificate in International Law from University College London.

Patel worked as a public defender in Florida before joining the Department of Justice as a trial attorney. He also served as a legal liaison to the Joint Special Operations Command. Outside his legal career, Patel is a lifelong ice hockey enthusiast.

2. Role in the Nunes Memo

During Trump’s first term, Patel became a prominent figure while advising the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense. He gained Trump’s favor by playing a key role in the 2018 investigation into alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Patel authored the “Nunes Memo,” which accused the FBI of misusing the Foreign Intelligence Service Act to surveil Trump’s advisors. This memo fueled claims that the Russia investigation was politically motivated.

3. Close Ties to Trump’s Legal Battles

Patel has remained a close ally of Trump and has testified in several high-profile cases involving the former president. He supported Trump in the classified documents case and appeared in court hearings related to the January 6 Capitol riots. As the Chief of Staff to the Acting Defense Secretary at the time, Patel claimed Trump had pre-emptively authorized troop deployments before the riots, though a court found his testimony unreliable.

4. Criticism of the FBI

If confirmed, Patel is expected to pursue radical reforms within the FBI. He has openly criticized the agency’s size and operations, calling for significant changes such as decentralizing the FBI headquarters and reducing its legal counsel office. Patel has expressed his intent to focus FBI resources on tackling crime across America rather than centralizing operations in Washington, D.C.

5. Opposition to the “Deep State”

Patel has been vocal about his belief in a “deep state,” which he defines as an unelected bureaucracy, media, and political elite that undermines democracy. In his book Government Gangsters, Patel outlines his plans to counter what he describes as “the most dangerous threat to our democracy.” His alignment with Trump’s anti-establishment stance has strengthened his position as a loyal ally.

If confirmed, Patel will replace Christopher Wray, whose tenure is set to end three years before its scheduled conclusion. Patel’s nomination signals Trump’s intention to reshape the FBI with a stronger focus on accountability and reform.