There’s growing division within Donald Trump’s inner circle over his decision to nominate far-right conspiracy theorists Kash Patel, a loyal ally, for FBI director. According to MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Jonathan Lemire, many people close to Trump are not happy with the choice, which is causing concern in the MAGA world.
Patel, a staunch supporter of Trump who has pushed baseless claims about the 2020 election, has promised to go after Trump’s political enemies if he gets the FBI job. Scarborough noted on Morning Joe that Patel’s nomination faces serious opposition, even from those within Trump’s own camp.
“Kash Patel is not just controversial among media outlets or Democrats,” Scarborough said. “He is not just controversial among Republican senators. He is controversial inside Trump’s own orbit. You go inside Trump’s own orbit and it is split down the middle with half the people thinking he is going to be a disaster for any Donald Trump administration and they never wanted this nomination to see the light of day because, again, that divide goes straight through MAGA world for those around Donald Trump.”
Lemire echoed these concerns, saying that the nomination seems aimed at winning over the far-right wing of Trump’s base, including figures like Steve Bannon, who were upset with some of Trump’s earlier appointments. However, others in Trump’s circle are deeply concerned, fearing that Patel’s lack of qualifications and extreme views could be harmful.
“People I talked to say this pick was a nod to the extreme right-wing portions of Trump base, the Steve Bannon, ultra-MAGA sector here who had been disappointed by Trump’s picks like treasury secretary and secretary of state,”
He continued: “This is Trump throwing them red meat because he knows he needs to keep them happy, but other people in Trumpworld are deeply worried about this pick, that Patel is not only not qualified but dangerous, that he will not think twice or hesitate in carrying out whatever Trump wants, people say, even for people breaking the law.”
There’s also speculation that Trump might bypass a messy confirmation process by firing current FBI Director Christopher Wray and appointing Patel as an interim director. This would allow Patel to hold the position for a few months without the need for Senate approval.
“Even if he can’t be confirmed it will be enough to carry out some of Trump’s agenda,” Lemire added.
Watch the exchange below via MSNBC:
