President Donald Trump has officially quashed rumors suggesting FBI Director Kash Patel is on the verge of being replaced. The speculation gained traction following a report by MS NOW, which claimed that internal discussions were underway concerning Patel’s removal due to persistent negative media attention. The report cited three anonymous sources allegedly aware of high-level deliberations about potential successors.
However, President Trump directly addressed the rumors, stating his confidence in the current FBI Director. “No, he’s doing a good job. Kash Patel? He’s doing a great job, I think,” Trump was quoted as saying, providing a clear and public endorsement.
The White House has issued a strong rebuttal to the reports, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt labeling the MS NOW story as “completely made up.” Leavitt shared her personal account of being in the Oval Office when the report broke, observing President Trump in a meeting with Patel and other law enforcement leaders. She further highlighted that the President reacted with amusement and took a celebratory photograph with Patel, demonstrating his strong backing.
The original MS NOW report had suggested that Andrew Bailey, a senior official within the FBI, was being considered as a possible replacement. The report also conveyed that Patel was in a precarious position, though it acknowledged the fluidity of the President’s decisions.
Patel’s leadership has recently been under the microscope, with specific issues raised about his girlfriend’s security detail, his use of government aircraft, and reported tensions with other Trump loyalists within the FBI. Andrew Bailey has previously been mentioned as a potential candidate for both the Director and Deputy Director roles, the latter of which is currently filled by Dan Bongino.