Concerns were raised by New York Rep. Dan Goldman (D) regarding potential abuses of power by President-elect Trump’s Cabinet and senior staff selections, particularly highlighting Kash Patel’s nomination as FBI director.
Goldman expressed his apprehension during a CNN interview with Brianna Keilar on Monday, stating, “Kash Patel poses a threat due to his lack of qualifications and his intent for revenge on behalf of Donald Trump.
Goldman warns of potential abuses as Trump’s Cabinet selections raise alarms
This is not the type of individual who should be leading the FBI, which is intended to be a nonpartisan agency with a ten-year term to maintain its distance from political influence.” Several of Trump’s nominations have come under fire for their implications.
Patel, a loyal supporter of Trump, has publicly supported the former president’s calls for retribution and has concentrated much of his rhetoric on the so-called “deep state,” which he accuses of using the government for personal and political motives.
He also stood by Trump during various investigations, including impeachment inquiries and the investigation into Russian interference in the elections, as well as following the Capitol attack on January 6, 2021.
The now-dissolved House select committee investigating the January 6 riots sought testimony from Patel, who previously held several national security positions during Trump’s first term and served as chief of staff to acting Defense Secretary Chris Miller.
When asked whether Americans should trust federal law enforcement, Goldman criticized Trump’s contentious nominees. “The nominees presented by Donald Trump raise serious doubts about faith in federal law enforcement,” he stated.
“Individuals like Matt Gaetz, Pam Bondi, Kash Patel, and Tulsi Gabbard have been chosen not to uphold the rule of law but rather to weaponize the federal government against Trump’s foes and critics.”
He further emphasized the threat to the rule of law by referencing President Biden’s recent pardon of his son, Hunter Biden. “This is precisely why Joe Biden exercised his authority to shield his son from such political weaponization,” he said.
Among the controversial nominations was Trump’s initial choice for attorney general, former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who withdrew despite scrutiny related to a DOJ investigation and allegations of se*x trafficking and misconduct, along with claims of illicit drug use. Trump has since appointed former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, a close ally, to head the Justice Department in his second term.
Trump’s selection for director of national intelligence, former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, who recently switched to the Republican Party, is expected to encounter challenges during her Senate confirmation process.
Republicans, particularly those with a more hawkish stance on foreign policy, may be hesitant about Gabbard due to her past comments that have been viewed as sympathetic to Russia during its conflict with Ukraine.
