FBI Director Kash Patel has come under fire with top officials in President Donald Trump’s administration amid claims U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi “can’t stand him.” Alongside that allegation, former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was just installed at Patel’s embattled agency as co-deputy FBI director alongside Dan Bongino in the wake of growing Patel backlash, Knewz.com can reveal.
Tensions abound
Trump tapped Bailey to help run the FBI, sharing the role of second-in-command with Co-Deputy Director Bongino — a Trump loyalist who recently clashed with other administration officials over the FBI and Justice Department’s handling of a review of the Jeffrey Epstein case. The change comes at a time Patel is under fire over recent mistakes. “The White House, Bondi [and Deputy Attorney General Todd] Blanche have no confidence in Kash. Pam in particular cannot stand him. Blanche either,” a source told Fox News. Bondi and Blanche denied the allegations, and the White House denied plans to strip Patel of his role.
Questioning Patel’s leadership
Within the last few months, particularly following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, questions have been swirling about Patel’s position and leadership. Patel recently faced off with lawmakers during back-to-back appearances before Congress as elected officials questioned him about his decisions and performance following Kirk’s murder, which saw multiple people erroneously arrested early in the investigation. Trump, however, had a different take on the way the manhunt for Kirk’s shooter ended. “I am very proud of the FBI. Kash — and everyone else — they have done a great job,” Trump said.
Patel backlash
Despite Trump’s praise, on social media, many commenters have been urging Patel to step down from his position. “What do you guys think about Kash Patel as head of FBI? I think he needs to step down. The former Attorney General of Missouri Andrew Bailey is being sworn in as a co-deputy director. Maybe he can do better,” wrote one commenter. Another said, “Kash Patel is an incompetent fool who needs to step down from his leadership position.” Yet another said, “I’m very confused [and] disappointed over Kash Patel’s contribution so far. If he can’t [handle] his assignment, he has to step down because this is not good enough. As for Pam Bondi, shouldn’t she be sitting more behind her desk instead of being around President Trump all the time?”
FBI criticism
Many social media users also slammed Patel and the FBI for their performance after the Kirk shooting suspect’s father turned him in to authorities. Once the manhunt for Kirk’s alleged killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, came to an end, one online commenter lamented, “Took 3 days to find the shooter. Didn’t find shooter. Shooter’s father turned him in. Faith won’t let [Patel] say Heaven so he said, ‘See you in Valhalla, Charlie.’ Should Kash Patel be forced to step down?” Another echoed a similar sentiment, writing, “Patel and Bongino need to step down. At least Kash for sure, this has been a s*** show. I’m no fan of Kirk’s but still want justice.”
https://www.newsbreak.com/knewz-1594593/4254512519901-trump-admin-maga-loyalists-turn-on-each-other