William Webster, the only person to lead both the FBI and CIA, has called on the US Senate to reject Donald Trump’s nominees for FBI director and director of national intelligence, Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard, arguing they are unqualified for the roles.
In a letter to senators, Webster, 100, emphasised the need for “nonpartisan leadership and experience” in the positions. “The safety of the American people – and your own families – depends on it,” he wrote, urging the Senate to thoroughly scrutinise the nominees during confirmation hearings, The Guardian reported.
A respected figure in national security circles, Webster previously endorsed Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic opponent, along with 100 other Republican former officials. His letter marks a rare intervention by the elder statesman, who has consistently championed nonpartisan leadership in intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
Concerns over Patel’s partisanship
Webster, appointed FBI director by Democratic President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and CIA director by Republican President Ronald Reagan in 1987, expressed particular concern over Patel’s candidacy to lead the FBI. He warned that Patel’s “close political alignment” with Trump could compromise the bureau’s impartiality and the rule of law.
“While Mr Patel’s intelligence and patriotism are commendable, his close political alignment with President Trump raises serious concerns about impartiality and integrity,” Webster wrote.
Patel, a staunch Trump ally, has vowed to target the former president’s critics if confirmed. He has also pledged to close the FBI’s Washington headquarters and convert it into a museum about the so-called “deep state.” Patel’s book, Government Gangsters, includes a list of 60 individuals critics have labelled an “enemies list.”
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