FBI Director Kash Patel is addressing China’s impact on American farmland directly, viewing it as both a food supply and national security issue.
Patel’s examination of China’s influence on U.S. soil, especially on farmlands close to sensitive locations, mirrors the Trump administration’s initiative for a stronger second term aimed at countering the Chinese Communist Party’s involvement on American territory. This campaign has gained support from Republican lawmakers and conservative partners, who assert that land ownership linked to the CCP presents a direct danger to national security and vital infrastructure.
“FBI Director Kash Patel has wrongly prioritized the CCP’s interference and intrusion in the U.S.,” stated Patel Advisor Erica Knight to Fox News Digital.
“His extensive background in counter-terrorism and intelligence provides Patel with a significant understanding of the grave threats facing our country,” Knight explained. “His knowledge and steadfast commitment make him exceptionally suited to confront CCP infiltration and lead the Bureau in safeguarding U.S. national security.”
Patel introduces the U.S. border, seen as a vulnerability by Russia’s China, stating that “the enemy will adapt.”
FBI Director Kash Patel has addressed China’s influence on U.S. farmland, viewing it as a national security and food supply issue. (Oliver/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Recently, Patel informed lawmakers that a “successful resolution” to the ongoing border crisis has prompted adversaries like China, Russia, and Iran to redirect their attention to the Northern U.S. borders.
During a recent engagement on Air Force 1, President Donald Trump was questioned about actions taken by the White House regarding Chinese-owned farmland as his administration focused on countering China in its upcoming term.
Trump responded that he “monitors it constantly,” remarking that he maintains “a strong relationship with China and its president.”
“I have immense respect for President Xi,” Trump noted.
Top 5 Takedown: Kaspatel’s FBI basks in an early significant victory
Trump emphasized that Chinese ownership of farmland has been “a longstanding issue.”
In a February op-ed for FOX News, Ric Grenell, the president’s special missions envoy, voiced concerns regarding the Chinese-controlled farmland, dubbing it an instance of “a not-so-clever acquisition.”
As the administration sharpens its focus on China for its upcoming term, President Donald Trump was questioned on Air Force 1 about the White House’s stance on China-owned farmland. (Royriu/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“Conservative legislators and governors nationwide are acting to prevent hostile nations from acquiring U.S. farmland, yet we need to acknowledge that this is a broader issue. China’s true aim extends beyond mere land ownership,” Grenell articulated.
Over 500,000 law enforcement officials support Patel as FBI director
Members of Capitol Hill have begun taking legislative steps. In early March, Senator Minecround (Rs.D.) introduced a bill in the Senate aimed at prohibiting the acquisition of farms near facilities from “target countries” (including China) (military installations and other sensitive areas).
The bill, supported by Democrats, permits the Department of Agriculture to file a complaint with the U.S. Foreign Investment Committee for review if there are concerns regarding national security.
Patel asserts that leading the agency, his top priority is to eliminate China’s influence on American territory. (Anna Money Maker/Getty Images)
Click here to download the Fox News app
In a similar vein, Republican senators unveiled a more extensive act in January spearheaded by Tom Cotton from Arkansas, Kevin Cramer from North Dakota, and Katie Britt from Alabama.
This act mandates that the Chinese Communist Party divest or “affected” land owned or “influenced” by the Chinese Communist Party, classified as a potential national security threat.
Morgan Phillips and Michael Lee of Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
