President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Kash Patel to lead the FBI, filling one of the last unfilled positions in his administration just two months before he takes office.

“Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People,” Trump stated on Truth Social.

“He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution,” Trump added.

“This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI,” he continued.

Patel comes with a strong background as both a former public defender and later as a lawyer in the U.S. Department of Justice’s national security division. He also held various intelligence and national security positions during Trump’s first term.

He has emerged as a leading candidate within the MAGA movement, with many hoping he will bring much-needed reforms to the bureau and address its alleged bias against conservatives during the Trump years.

The New York native is well known for his unwavering loyalty to Trump, which has made him a target for left-leaning critics, despite his distinguished service as a National Security Council official, senior adviser to the acting Director of National Intelligence, and, more recently, chief of staff to the acting U.S. Secretary of Defense.

His steadfast loyalty to the president has led to heavy criticism from Democrats, with numerous pundits on left-leaning networks vocal in their condemnation of him.

On CNN Thursday, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe issued a dire warning about Patel, telling anchor Kaitlan Collins that “no part of the FBI’s mission is safe with Kash Patel in any position of leadership in the FBI.”

“It’s inconceivable to me that an outsider with no experience in the organization, no knowledge of the work and the scope of authority that’s involved there could perform adequately,” McCabe angrily remarked. McCabe himself was dismissed from his role just 26 hours before his 2018 retirement, a decision Trump had made.

McCabe, who had frequently clashed with the president over the FBI’s investigation into the Russia collusion claims, the Steele dossier, and his eventual firing as acting director for leaking confidential information, continued to express concern, saying that “no part of the FBI’s mission is safe with Kash Patel in any position of leadership in the FBI.”

Though McCabe’s warnings initially raised questions about Patel’s ability to be confirmed, his supporters point to his extensive experience in national security and the Department of Justice as evidence of his qualifications.

“Despite media reports that there are concerns on confirmation, he’s accomplished in counterterrorism, defense, intelligence and the law,” one individual close to the transition team told The Post. “Just look at his resume; this is pretty solid person for this job.”

Patel also earned the backing of Elon Musk, Trump’s close associate and co-head of the incoming administration’s Department of Government Efficiency. Musk, who had suggested the creation of a full-time “declassification office” to enhance government transparency, gave his approval on X, with a simple “Good idea” in response to the nomination.

Despite his sometimes controversial reputation, Patel’s selection could have significant implications for Washington, especially following Trump’s earlier nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.) for attorney general, a choice he withdrew after meetings on Capitol Hill.

Other potential candidates for the FBI director position included Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.), and former Acting Director of National Intelligence Richard Grenell.

{Matzav.com}