President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday nominated his close confidant Kash Patel for the powerful post of Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). With this, Kash Patel has become the highest-ranking Indian American in the incoming Trump administration. Trump announced the appointment of Kash Patel on the social media platform Truth Social.

Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social on Saturday night, writing that I am proud to announce that Kashyap 'Kash' Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and 'America First' fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice, and protecting the American people.

Patel has held high positions during Trump's first term

Patel, the son of an Indian immigrant, has worked as a former Republican staffer in senior positions in defense and intelligence matters during Trump's first term. Last year, he promised to take on politicians and journalists opposing Trump. Former US Deputy National Security Advisor Charles Kapperman told the New York Times how loyal Patel is to Trump. He said that in 2019, when Trump was facing public opposition, he called a meeting of top advisors in the Oval Office.

Among the four chairs in front of him, one chair was surprisingly that of a very low-level employee, Patel. Patel has been the deputy to the National Intelligence Director. Then he became the Chief of Staff to the Acting Defense Secretary. Patel helped a lot in preparing the four-page memorandum 'Nunes Memo' released to the public regarding the ongoing investigation into Russia's alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election. Trump was very impressed by this.

Trump will take oath as President in January 2025

Donald Trump has secured a second term as President of the United States following his victory in the 2024 presidential election, winning 295 electoral votes, defeating Democratic rival Kamala Harris, who secured 226 votes. Since his victory, Trump will be formally inaugurated as President in January 2025. Before that, he is moving fast to finalise his foreign policy and national security team.