Senate Republicans giving Kash Patel a chance
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Republican senators are prepared to hear out Kash Patel, President-elect Trump's controversial pick to lead the FBI.
Why it matters: The FBI has become enemy No. 1 among Trump allies because of its role in investigating Trump himself. Patel does not have the typical experience for FBI director and has harshly criticized the agency.
- "I do know Kash, and that's why I think he's going to be great," Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) said Monday. "We really do need people that will go in and shake up some of these organizations."
Between the lines: Ordinarily, the current FBI director Christopher Wray would remain in his role despite the change in administration.
- But Trump has made clear he wants one of his loyalists in the position — and would fire Wray to do so.
What they're saying: Incoming Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) told reporters Patel, like all nominees, would get a thorough and fair process.
- Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) said he doesn't have any initial concerns about Patel and plans to meet with him.
- When asked about concerns about Patel's qualifications, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) told reporters it's why there is a process to "vet all the nominees and give everybody a chance to ask those questions during the hearing."
Zoom out: A group of Senate Republicans met behind closed doors Monday night with embattled Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth.
- "He's clearly committed to making sure we have a lethal military that scares the crap out of our enemies," said Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) after emerging from the meeting.
