It's time to fire FBI director Kash Patel

The FBI, America’s premier federal law enforcement agency, is in crisis under the leadership of Kash Patel. Once a conspiracy theorist and podcaster, Patel’s rise to FBI director has been a disaster from the start. Recent reporting from The Atlantic exposes troubling details: Patel has been found asleep and seemingly intoxicated on duty, so unreachable that SWAT teams were called to force entry into his locked office. This is not the behavior of someone fit to lead the FBI.

Patel’s tenure has been riddled with scandal. He has used FBI jets for personal vacations and dates, demanded SWAT escorts for his girlfriend’s errands, and even flew to the Milan Olympics on the taxpayers’ dime, where he was filmed chugging beer with athletes. House Democrats have launched probes into this blatant misuse of government resources.

Beyond personal misconduct, Patel’s impact on the agency’s mission is catastrophic. He has made impulsive, misleading public statements during critical investigations, such as prematurely announcing the capture of a suspect in a high-profile assassination manhunt—only for the individual to be released later. His political interference is glaring: firing agents for peaceful protests or for working on investigations into Trump and the January 6 Capitol attack.

A damning 115-page report by current and former FBI agents describes Patel as “in over his head,” turning the FBI into a “rudderless ship.” His paranoia, delays in urgent investigations, and erratic leadership threaten national security and public trust.

Patel’s confirmation was a narrow 51-49 Senate vote, and it is clear now that he is unqualified and dangerous in this role. For the good of the country, Patel must resign immediately. If he refuses, it is on President Trump to fire him without delay. Congress must also launch a full investigation into Patel’s mismanagement to safeguard the FBI’s future.

The FBI cannot afford to be led by a leader who is not just incompetent but a liability. Kash Patel’s time is up.