Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House communications director, drew a parallel between President-elect Trump’s selection of Kash Patel to head the FBI and the situation surrounding former Rep. Matt Gaetz’s (R-Fla.) nomination for attorney general.
Initially selected to lead the Justice Department (DOJ), Gaetz finally withdrew his name from consideration after discussions with Senate Republicans. His path to confirmation was complicated by ongoing scrutiny from a DOJ investigation and a House Ethics Committee inquiry into serious allegations, including sex trafficking and drug use.
Kash Patel faces skepticism akin to earlier controversial Trump-era nominees
During a CNN interview with Anderson Cooper, Scaramucci stated, “It’s the same thing with Matt Gaetz.” He explained that Trump aims to appoint individuals aligned with his MAGA agenda, asserting that the president-elect will proceed with those nominations as long as they can pass confirmation.
Scaramucci further suggested that while Trump’s initial choices may resonate with his supporters, he likely has alternative candidates ready in case these picks are not confirmed. “He’s doing that because he looks at his base and says these [picks] are for you,” he noted, referencing Trump’s swift announcement of former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi—who has longstanding connections with Trump—as the top federal prosecutor.
Regarding Patel, Scaramucci remarked, “I think it’s the same thing with Kash Patel,” adding that he does not believe there is a strong expectation that Patel will successfully secure the position.
Patel, known for his unwavering support of Trump, has voiced plans for retribution and has often criticized the so-called “deep state,” claiming it has manipulated the government for personal and political ends. He defended Trump during various investigations, including impeachment inquiries and the probe into Russian election interference, and continued to support him after the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
He encountered resistance from the now-disbanded House select committee investigating the January 6 riots, which requested his testimony. Patel held several national security positions during Trump’s first term, serving as chief of staff to then-acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller.
In its subpoena, the committee indicated: “There is substantial reason to believe that you have additional documents and information relevant to understanding the role played by the Department of Defense and the White House in preparing for and responding to the attack on the U.S. Capitol, as well as documents and information related to your personal involvement in planning for events on Jan. 6 and the peaceful transfer of power.” Patel has also been vocally critical of the Biden administration’s approach to cases involving January 6 rioters.
