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Senator says Kash Patel behind FBI purge
According to Durbin, whistleblower disclosures suggest that Patel has been overseeing the removal of senior law enforcement officials, even before Senate confirmation.
Dick Durbin and Kash Patel / Image- File Photo
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee alleged that Kash Patel has been personally directing an ongoing purge of senior FBI officials.
Speaking on the senate floor, Durbin said Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee for FBI Director, was accused by credible whistleblowers of orchestrating the removal of key law enforcement personnel. This comes ahead of Patel’s potential confirmation for the post.
In response to these allegations, Durbin has called for an investigation by Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz.
Citing concerns about Patel’s history of political retaliation, Durbin warned that these new allegations further demonstrate why Patel is unfit to lead the FBI.
Whistleblower allegations
According to Durbin, whistleblower disclosures suggest that Patel has been overseeing the removal of senior law enforcement officials, even before Senate confirmation.
On Jan. 29, a meeting was held between Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll, Acting FBI Deputy Director Robert Kissane, and other officials, during which they were informed that certain Executive Assistant Directors and supervisors were expected to resign or face termination.
Durbin stated that documents from an earlier DOJ-FBI meeting on the same day contained a key notation: “KP wants movement at FBI, reciprocal actions for DOJ.” He alleged that Patel had been in contact with Stephen Miller, a senior Trump advisor, who then relayed Patel’s directives to Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove. The DOJ had already dismissed several prosecutors, and Patel was reportedly pressing for faster removals within the FBI.
"According to my sources, Mr. Patel is receiving information from within the FBI from the Director’s Advisory Team," Durbin stated. "Mr. Patel then provides direction to Stephen Miller, who relays it to Acting Deputy Attorney General Bove."
Potential perjury
Durbin also raised concerns that Patel may have misled the Senate Judiciary Committee during his Jan. 30 confirmation hearing. During the hearing, Senator Cory Booker asked Patel if he was aware of any plans to punish or terminate FBI personnel linked to Trump-related investigations. Patel responded, “I am not aware of that.”
However, Durbin pointed out that, if the whistleblower accounts are accurate, Patel had actively directed Miller to expedite firings within the agency just two days before testifying before the committee.
“Mr. Patel seems to be unable to wait for Senate confirmation to carry out retribution against his perceived political enemies,” Durbin stated, arguing that the nominee’s actions undermine the independence of the FBI and weaken national security.
National security concerns
Durbin warned that the removal of FBI officials overseeing counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and violent crime investigations could compromise national security. He accused Patel of prioritizing political retaliation over public safety.
“Among those who were removed, so far by the Trump administration, are the top officials who oversee the FBI’s work combating international and domestic terrorism, cybersecurity threats, human and drug trafficking, and violent crime,” Durbin said. “Does that make us any safer?”
Given the seriousness of these allegations, Durbin has formally requested an investigation by the Department of Justice Inspector General. He urged his Republican colleagues to reconsider Patel’s nomination, stating that the FBI requires a leader dedicated to national security, not political vendettas.
Durbin concluded his remarks with a stark warning about Patel’s potential leadership.
“Our nation needs an FBI director who understands the gravity of the mission,” Durbin stated. “Not someone who is focused on settling a political score.”
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