The FBI has firmly denied accusations that Director Kash Patel attempted to secure a private connection to President Donald Trump, allegedly bypassing Attorney General Pam Bondi. The claim, originally published by the Wall Street Journal, suggested Patel wanted to shift the longstanding practice that requires the FBI to report to the attorney general before reaching the White House.
The report alleged that Patel made the request shortly after being confirmed as FBI director. If true, the move would mark a significant departure from the traditional chain of command in the Justice Department, where the FBI director does not typically communicate directly with the president.
FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson dismissed the allegations as completely false, posting on X that the claim was “BS.” Other sources close to Patel echoed this, saying the story was meant to cause unnecessary controversy and discredit his leadership.
In addition to the communication request, Patel was reported to have explored the idea of hiring a private security team rather than relying on the FBI’s standard protection detail. While the reasoning behind this is unclear, some have speculated it reflects broader concerns over trust within the agency.
Patel’s leadership has been a major shift for the FBI, given his history as a key Trump ally. His critics argue that his past role in defending the former president raises concerns about his ability to remain impartial, while his supporters see him as a necessary force in reforming the bureau.
Despite the controversy, Patel and Bondi’s offices have stated that they are aligned on major law enforcement priorities, continuing to focus on national security and restoring public confidence in federal investigations.
