Citing a series of political remarks that cast doubt on Kash Patel‘s capacity to lead the FBI in an apolitical manner, Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) declared she would vote against his nomination to be director.
Collins cited recent moves at the FBI and Justice Department (DOJ), including FBI agents being fired for their work on cases from January 6, 2021, and prosecutors quitting after being pressured on how to handle certain cases.
An FBI director who is firmly apolitical is desperately needed in this situation. Although Mr. Patel has served the public with distinction for 16 years, the last four years have been marked by aggressive and high-profile political engagement, Collins said in a statement.
In his book and elsewhere, Mr. Patel has made a number of politically tinged claims that cast doubt on the FBI’s work—the very organization he was chosen to head. These remarks raise questions about Mr. Patel’s capacity to further the FBI’s law enforcement goal without seeming to be motivated by politics, especially when combined with the questionnaire that was distributed to thousands of FBI workers.
Collins stated that she had to assess “the backdrop of recent personnel actions” at the DOJ before considering Patel.
She specifically mentioned the poll that was distributed to every FBI employee involved in the more than 1,500 charges that were filed against those connected to the January 6, 2021, Capitol storming.
Fearing reprisals, FBI agents have filed a lawsuit to prevent the DOJ from disclosing the identities of the agents who worked on the cases.
“These initiatives raise the specter that adverse actions could be taken against FBI employees who have dedicated their careers to public service and who do not choose their assignments,” Collins wrote, referring to special agents in the field.
“Efforts to increase accountability at the FBI must be carefully calibrated and must not result in the expulsion of committed public servants who protect our communities and nation.”
Democrats have accused Patel of being involved in efforts to fire several FBI workers, prompting the Maine Republican to express alarm and request that the DOJ inspector general look into the matter.
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) stated that he had “highly credible information” that Patel ordered the action, which was taken the day after the Trump nominee’s confirmation hearing.
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