Some Republicans Worried About Trump’s FBI Hire?

Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently weighed in on the possibility of Kash Patel, a former Trump administration ally, being appointed as the new FBI Director. Speaking on ABC’s This Week, Rounds emphasized his continued support for current FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom President Trump initially appointed in 2017.

“I believe President Trump made a strong choice in selecting Christopher Wray as FBI Director during his first term,” Rounds remarked. He went on to defend Wray’s tenure, stating, “When I’ve met with him in closed-door sessions, I’ve had no issues with the way he has managed the Bureau. There’s been no cause for concern.” Rounds’ comments suggest that he doesn’t share the growing frustration among some conservatives who believe Wray has not fully supported Trump’s agenda, especially regarding investigations that have drawn criticism from the right.

Despite Rounds’ admiration for Wray, he acknowledged that the president has the constitutional right to choose his team, including the FBI Director. “The president-elect has the authority to make nominations, but these positions typically carry a ten-year term,” Rounds explained. He further noted that the confirmation process would allow the Senate to weigh in on any nomination, including Patel’s, who is seen as a controversial but loyal figure within the Trump camp.

Patel’s background, particularly his involvement in efforts to undermine the Russia investigation while serving as a top aide to the House Intelligence Committee, is expected to make his Senate confirmation fight difficult. However, Rounds was not surprised by Trump’s decision to consider Patel, saying, “It’s no surprise that President Trump would want to surround himself with loyalists. Every president seeks to appoint individuals who share their vision and support their policies.”

When asked if he thought firing Wray would be a mistake, Rounds deferred, saying, “We don’t speak for the president-elect, but we respect the process.” He further emphasized the importance of respecting the constitutional principle of separation of powers, which allows the president to have the people he trusts in his administration.

Ultimately, Rounds’ comments reflect a broader Republican perspective: that loyalty and trust are essential in any administration, and the Senate’s role is to ensure that the president’s nominations meet the constitutional requirements, even if those choices face intense scrutiny.