The only person to have led both the FBI and CIA has spoken out against President-elect Trump's picks of Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard to lead the intelligence agencies, saying both positions were “free from political influence.” “We need complete independence,” he said.
William Webster, who led the agency under both Democratic and Republican presidents, made the comments in a letter to senators, saying he was “deeply concerned” about their selections.
Patel, who served in a number of national security roles under the Trump administration and is a key ally of the president-elect, has been appointed to the FBI despite current director Christopher Wray's normal 10-year term. was appointed as chief. Until 2027.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has been nominated to be director of national intelligence and will lead the bureau that coordinates all 18 intelligence agencies.
“While Mr. Patel's intelligence and patriotism are admirable, his close political alignment with President Trump raises serious concerns about his impartiality and integrity. Statements such as 'He is my agent'” , his record of carrying out the president's orders suggests loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law, and is a dangerous precedent for an institution whose mission is the impartial administration of justice,” Webster wrote.
The letter was first reported by Politico.
Mr. Patel has been an outspoken critic of the FBI's investigation into Mr. Trump, has written a children's book on the subject, and has said he plans to fire scores of FBI employees to rid the agency of the “deep state.” states. He also named numerous Democratic Party officials in his book of the same name as a “government gangster” and wrote in emails fundraising through his foundation that they must be held accountable.
Gabbard, a former Democratic congresswoman from Hawaii, has come under fire for parroting Russia's story about the country's invasion of Ukraine and the now-deposed Syrian leader Bashar Al, who was accused of using chemical weapons against his own people.・I have also visited Mr. Assad.
“Congresswoman Gabbard lacks significant intelligence experience, and her difficult task of overseeing 18 different intelligence agencies further highlights the need for seasoned leadership,” Webster wrote. Ta.
“Effectively managing our intelligence community requires unparalleled expertise in addressing the complexity of global threats and maintaining the trust of our allies. Without that trust, sensitive Our ability to protect our secrets and collaborate internationally will be greatly diminished…Never in the history of the world will newbies in this field learn this role.”
The Trump team fired back at Webster.
“It shouldn't be news that someone who has supported Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, who have been wrong on every foreign policy thing for the past four years, would oppose President Trump's nominee. Lt. Col. Gabbard is an active duty Army officer. member and has served in the military for over 20 years. “As someone who has consumed the highest levels of intelligence, including during wartime, Congress recognizes the importance of partnerships with our allies to ensure we work closely together to keep the American people safe.” transition spokeswoman Alexa Henning said in a statement.
Alex Pfeiffer, Trump's transition press secretary, defended Patel, saying she is “loyal to the Constitution.” He has served in key national security roles under Presidents Obama and Trump. ”
Webster, who led the FBI under Presidents Carter and Reagan, said he had only been contacted by each of them once during his term, and said Trump will play an outsized role in directing the agency's affairs. I was worried that this might happen.
He encouraged senators to “consider the importance of bipartisan leadership and experience.”
“Confidence in our nation's intelligence and law enforcement agencies is also vitally important to our international partners,” he wrote.
“Without that trust, we cannot effectively protect sensitive secrets or work together to address common threats.”
