Rep. Mike Lawler (RN.Y.) said Sunday he had no hesitation in President-elect Trump's choice of Kash Patel to head the FBI.
“Are you concerned about Kash Patel taking the role?” CNN's Casey Hunt asked the New York Republican about “State of the Union.”
“No,” Lawlor said. “Donald Trump campaigned on reforming the FBI and the Department of Justice, and frankly, I don't know why something like this would surprise people.”
The selection of Patel to head the FBI drew mixed reactions from lawmakers and former officials. However, Republicans have praised Patel's selection.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe said Saturday: “This is a frightening development for FBI employees, for women, and for a country that depends on a highly functioning, professional, independent Federal Bureau of Investigation.” Ta.
Patel has a history of pushing for mass firings, particularly at the FBI and Justice Department, and the revocation of security clearances for people who investigated Trump during his 2016 presidential campaign.
“The distrust that the American people have in the Department of Justice and the FBI is terrible. So clearly we want a reformed system that works for the American people and prosecutes criminals. . And that should be the purpose and goal of every American,” Lawler said Sunday.
“And obviously that's my hope as the Justice Department moves forward under Pam Bondi and the FBI moves forward under Kash Patel,” he added.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, President Trump called Patel “a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' man who has spent his career exposing corruption, upholding justice, and protecting the American people.” “Fighter''.
“He played a pivotal role in debunking Russia, Russia, Russian disinformation, and served as a champion of truth, accountability, and the Constitution,” he added.
The Hill has reached out to the Justice Department and FBI for comment.
