## Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel: The Man Who Would ‘Do Anything’ for Trump
With the 2024 US election looming large, the political landscape is heating up. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are locked in a tight race in crucial swing states, leaving many who remember the tumultuous first Trump presidency apprehensive about what a second term might bring. And while the first administration was largely populated by establishment Republicans, Trump’s potential second term is likely to be a different story, featuring a core of loyalists, one of whom stands out: Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel.
Patel, often described as the man who would “do anything for Trump,” is poised to play a significant role in a second Trump administration, potentially assuming a leadership position at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). But who is this individual who has become a central figure in the Trumpian political ecosystem? Let’s dive into the story of Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel, unraveling his journey and the potential implications of his influence.
### From Public Defender to Trump’s Inner Circle
Patel, a man of Gujarati descent, was born in New York’s Garden City in 1980. His parents, who grew up in East Africa, relocated to Long Island in the 1970s. Patel’s upbringing was steeped in Hinduism, with frequent visits to temples shaping his early years. His academic journey led him to the University of Richmond for undergraduate studies, where he was inspired to pursue a career in law after witnessing the lives of affluent New Yorkers. His legal education continued at Pace University in New York, followed by a Certificate in International Law from University College London. However, his dream of joining prestigious law firms remained unrealized. Instead, Patel started his career as a public defender in Florida, where he navigated the complexities of murder, drug trafficking, and financial crime cases. This experience honed his skills and laid the groundwork for his future foray into the world of national security.
In 2014, Patel made the move to Washington DC, joining the counterterrorism department of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. His time there was marked by a growing disillusionment with the bureaucratic environment, leading him to accept a position with the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, chaired by the staunch Trump ally, Devin Nunes. This move coincided with the tumultuous period of the Mueller investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Patel, tasked with leading the committee’s investigation, was described by Nunes as someone who would “bust doors down.”
### Nunes Memo and Controversial Actions
Patel played a central role in crafting the controversial ‘Nunes memo,’ a four-page report that alleged the Russia investigation was a politically motivated ploy to undermine the Trump presidency. The memo’s release sparked heated opposition from the Justice Department. While a subsequent inspector general report identified issues with FBI surveillance during the investigation, it found no evidence of partisan motives on the FBI’s part. Patel’s actions during this time, including the leaking of intelligence committee emails to Fox News, further fueled controversy.
The Republican losses in the 2018 midterm elections led to Nunes’ departure from the committee, and he subsequently sought a position for Patel in the White House. Despite resistance from some within the administration due to concerns about Patel’s trustworthiness and potential to disrupt the team, Trump insisted on his appointment, initially assigning him a low-level role at the National Security Council.
### Ascendancy in the Trump Administration
However, Patel’s influence grew within the Trump administration. He held various significant positions, including brief stints as principal deputy to the acting director of national intelligence, senior director for Counterterrorism (CT), and deputy assistant to the President. In the final months of Trump’s presidency, he was chosen to be chief of staff to acting defense secretary Christopher Miller. Trump’s efforts to install Patel as deputy director of either the FBI or CIA, aiming to solidify his control over the intelligence community, ultimately faced resistance. CIA Director Gina Haspel threatened to resign, and Attorney General Bill Barr voiced strong opposition, citing Patel’s lack of experience for such a high-level position.
### Post-Trump: A Life of Books, Businesses, and Controversy
Since Trump’s departure from the White House, Patel has remained busy. He is a board member of Trump Media and Technology Group, the owner of Truth Social, and holds a consulting contract with the company. Additionally, Trump’s leadership PAC has paid him over $300,000 since early 2021 for his services as a national security advisor. Patel has also launched ‘Fight with Kash’, an organization that supports defamation lawsuits and sells merchandise, and is a pitchman for various products targeted at Trump supporters. He has authored multiple books, including a memoir titled ‘Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy,’ and children’s fiction that idealizes Trump. Patel has also been actively involved in political campaigns, including those of Trump and Rep. Matt Gaetz. He is known for his outspoken views and willingness to engage in heated political discourse.
Patel’s actions and associations have drawn scrutiny and raised questions about potential conflicts of interest. His strong loyalty to Trump and his involvement in promoting Trump-related entities have fueled concerns about his ability to provide objective advice and analysis in a second Trump administration. Critics argue that Patel’s primary focus is serving Trump’s agenda rather than pursuing the best interests of the country.
### ‘Sometimes You Need a Little Crazy’
Trump himself has expressed his admiration for Patel’s unwavering loyalty, even acknowledging his unorthodox style. “A lot of people say he’s crazy,” Trump once remarked about Patel. “But sometimes you need a little crazy.” Patel’s political activities and his strong stance against those who oppose Trump continue to solidify his reputation as a loyalist and a key player in the Trumpian movement. His ambition to reshape the government, particularly within the intelligence and law enforcement sectors, remains a topic of discussion and concern among observers of the political landscape.
The potential for a second Trump administration, with Patel holding a powerful position, is a scenario that has generated much debate. His past actions, controversial statements, and unwavering loyalty to Trump raise serious questions about his suitability for such a role and the implications for American democracy. As the 2024 election approaches, Patel’s name will undoubtedly remain in the spotlight, a testament to his significant influence in Trump’s world and the uncertainties surrounding his potential impact on the future of American politics.