Dan Scavino Jr., an incoming White House aide to President-elect Donald Trump, recently quashed rumors that former Rep. Mike Rogers of Michigan would be appointed as FBI director. Scavino, who was set to be Trump’s deputy chief of staff, made a definitive statement on social media, saying, “It’s not happening.”
He explained that he had spoken with Trump about Rogers, who had long been speculated for the role, and Trump responded by saying that he had “never even given it a thought.”
Rogers, a former FBI special agent and chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, was a strong contender for the job due to his extensive experience. He had been endorsed by the FBI Agents Association in both 2013 and 2017 and was even considered for the role of Defense Secretary before Trump ultimately chose Pete Hegseth.
Despite this support, Rogers’ ties to the political establishment made him a divisive figure, particularly among Trump’s base, which was eager for the president-elect to challenge the so-called “deep state.”
Dan Scavino Denies Mike Rogers Consideration for FBI Director as Trump Eyes Non-Establishment Picks
Trump’s refusal to consider Rogers for FBI director seems to be in line with his broader strategy of appointing non-establishment figures to key positions.
Trump has consistently emphasized the need to break from Washington’s traditional power structures and deliver on his promises to drain the swamp. This approach is meant to appeal to his supporters, who view the political establishment as part of the problem, particularly in agencies like the FBI.
Another potential candidate for the position, Kash Patel, has been vocal about his desire to overhaul the FBI. As a former principal deputy to Trump’s acting Director of National Intelligence, Patel has proposed shutting down the FBI’s Hoover Building on his first day in office, only to reopen it as a “museum of the deep state.”
His extreme stance reflects the broader skepticism of the FBI held by some of Trump’s allies, further underscoring the president-elect’s desire to reform the agency.
