Patel outlines vision for FBI: ‘Let good cops be cops’
FBI director nominee Kash Patel outlined his vision for the department, noting he wants to “let good cops be cops” as officials across the aisle raise concern over his nomination.
Patel, who is appearing for a confirmation hearing Thursday in the Senate, laid out his plan for rebuilding the FBI and ensuring Americans’ trust in the agency in an op-ed published a day earlier.
“If confirmed, I will remain focused on the FBI’s core mission and not involve the bureau in prosecutorial decisions,” Patel wrote in The Wall Street Journal. “Determining whether someone should be charged with a crime is the responsibility of the Justice Department, not the FBI.”
“If confirmed, I will guide the agency in investigating criminals and safeguarding the homeland,” he continued.
Democrats and former Republican law enforcement officials have raised concerns that Patel, a loyalist of President Trump, will turn the agency into an organization that will go after the president’s enemies. Patel has regularly attacked the "deep state" and crafted a list of "government gangsters."
Former FBI Director Christopher Wray left the FBI after Trump signaled he would remove him. Patel held numerous national security roles during Trump’s first administration. If he is confirmed by the Senate, he would lead the nation's top investigative agency.
In the op-ed, Patel argued the importance of the FBI’s investigative work and reiterated the idea that he would stay out of officers’ work.
“I believe two foundational steps are necessary to rebuild public confidence in the FBI. First, let good cops be cops. Leadership means supporting agents in their mission to apprehend criminals and protect our citizens,” Patel wrote.
On Wednesday, Bloomberg News reported that Patel is slated to reassign top leaders at the FBI should he be confirmed. He has previously called to shut down the agency's headquarters.
In The Wall Street Journal op-ed, Patel said he would focus on “streamlining operations” at the FBI headquarters outside of Washington while supporting field agents nationwide.
“Second, transparency is essential. Members of Congress have hundreds of unanswered requests to the FBI,” Patel said. “If confirmed, I will be a strong advocate for congressional oversight, ensuring that the FBI operates with the openness necessary to rebuild trust by simply replying to lawmakers.”
Updated at 11 a.m. EST
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