President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Kash Patel as FBI director has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats and mixed reactions from Republicans. Patel isa former intelligence and defense official in Trump’s first term and is seen as a polarizing figure. Christopher Wray’s term as FBI director runs until 2027, meaning Kash Patel’s appointment would require Wray's resignation or removal and Senate confirmation. With a narrow Republican Senate majority, incoming Majority Leader John Thune has limited room for defections.
