Democrats put the brakes on confirming Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel as FBI director of the Trump Cabinet, citing fears of using the bureau to target political opponents. At the heart of the controversy is Patel’s “foreign list” – accusing him of being part of a “deep state” working against Donald Trump. This is a list of officials, prosecutors and journalists who have been employed.
What is the “Enemy List”?
“An enemy list” refers to a list of individuals, such as government officials, prosecutors, journalists and more. Many of them were involved in the investigation into Trump. This list, which first attracted attention through Patel’s 2022 government gangsters, includes former FBI directors James Comey and Christopher Ray, former Attorney General Bill Barr and former national security adviser John Bolton. It includes more than 60 names, including: Patel claims it is just a “glossary” of being just a key figure and “not a list of enemies,” but many are skeptical.
Concerns about the “foreign list” have been strengthened following Patel’s appointment as FBI director, fearing that the bureau would be used to target political enemies.
“These actions have written political retaliation and will get worse if Kash Patel is nominated for FBI director,” said Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer.
On Thursday, Democrats exercised procedural rules to postpone Patel’s confirmation vote for a week in a Republican-led committee. Their decision comes days after the FBI was ordered to disclose the names of agents involved in the January 6th Capitol riots. The proxy Attorney General had already denied eight FBI officials on January 31, demanding the names of all agents who worked on the January 6 incident. Many of the bureaus have even more pure fear when Patel is in charge.
Rhode Island Sen. Sheldon White House raised concerns, pointing to Patel’s social media activities. He references a video that shares himself depicting slaughtering Trump critics with a chainsaw, calling it “grotesque” and inappropriate behaviour for a potential FBI director.
During his confirmation hearing, Patel denied any plans for retaliation.
“The FBI will not retreat. There is no politicization in the FBI. If I was confirmed, there will be no retaliation measures taken by the FBI,” he said.
But past statements tell a different story. On the 2023 Steve Bannon Warroom Podcast, Patel said: out, “According to ABC News.
Such comments have led to increased anxiety, with some individuals on Patel’s “Antique List” taking steps to protect themselves. CNN reported that one person moved their family to a private location due to safety concerns.
Despite Kash Patel’s guarantees, Democrats remain uncertain and the Senate is split.
“It’s called the list of enemies,” Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar said according to CNN, adding that Patel “called them ‘deep states’.”
Trump’s choice against Attorney General General Pam Bondy attempted to downplay these fears at her confirmation hearing, saying, “There will never be a list of enemies within the Department of Justice.”
Charles Kupperman, a former Trump national security adviser and one of Patel’s listed names, has completely rejected Patel’s qualification.
“His professional experience does not meet the required leadership, management, or character standards,” Kupperman said. He also criticized the threat of Patel’s suspicions against those who opposed his confirmation, calling them “unacceptable, inappropriate.”
