Former National Security Adviser and neo-conservative warmonger John Bolton has condemned President-elect Donald Trump's choice of Kash Patel for the role of FBI Director according to Fox News.
In a shocking move over the weekend, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Kash Patel, a former senior director for counterterrorism, as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to Trump, Patel noted for his "brilliant" legal mind and investigative skills, is an outstanding choice who embodies the 'America First' ethos.
However, John Bolton, who served as Trump's National Security Adviser, strongly disagreed with this assessment in a statement released the following day.
While speaking to NBC News, Bolton's stark opposition was highlighted during "Meet the Press," where anchor Kristin Welker shared his critical remarks on social media platform X.
Bolton made a provocative comparison by equating Patel to Lavrentiy Beria, who was notoriously known as Stalin's chief of secret police. He pointed out the perils of appointing someone like Patel, whom he sees as a figure reflecting such a controversial past figure.
He further emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating that, thankfully, the FBI is not akin to the Soviet NKVD, a historical reference to a time when the secret police had unchecked power under Stalin's regime.
The backlash to Patel's nomination does not stop at his controversial comparison. Patel has previously expressed plans to radically transform the FBI, proposing to convert its headquarters, the Hoover Building, into a museum called the 'Museum of the Deep State.'
This idea alone has ignited fierce debates among various political groups and civil society concerned about the direction of national security enforcement.
Aside from his radical proposals, Patel also authored a book titled "Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy," which bolsters his contentious views about federal agencies.
These elements contributed to the divisive reactions from both liberals and conservatives who either staunchly support or vehemently oppose his appointment.
In his media appearance, Bolton stressed the importance of the Senate's role in this decision, urging them to reject Patel's nomination unanimously. He called for complete disapproval, suggesting a vote of 100-0 against Patel taking over the FBI.
Bolton also recalled a prior incident concerning Trump's nomination choices, labeling a previous nomination as "the worst in American history." This reference points to an ongoing concern about the suitability of candidates Trump has favored for critical national positions.
The reaction from the Senate's leadership, which is undergoing a transition, holds significant weight according to Bolton.
He asserts that the new leadership should communicate the risks associated with this nomination not only to the president-elect but also to safeguard the interests of Republican senators.
Bolton implored the leadership to demand the withdrawal of Patel's nomination, highlighting the unusual step as necessary to prevent potential damage to the reputation and integrity of the agency and political fallout for the supporting senators.
As this political drama unfolds, the implications of Patel’s potential confirmation as FBI Director are being hotly debated across the nation.
The outcome will likely define the future pathway of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and could potentially reshuffle the dynamics between the presidency and crucial national security positions.