The Trump administration has targeted the F.B.I. during the transition to new director Kash Patel, who has criticized the bureau’s investigations into Trump and the January 6 Capitol attack. During a recent videoconference, Patel discussed priorities like combating violent crime and national security while expressing disdain for traditional meeting protocols. He suggested unconventional partnerships, such as with the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and emphasized rebuilding public trust. Critics noted Patel’s previous role in undermining the F.B.I.’s reputation amid contentious investigations. Additionally, he recently assumed leadership of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The F.B.I. media office declined to comment.
For several weeks, the Trump administration has focused its criticisms on the F.B.I. while agents awaited their new director, Kash Patel, who has long criticized the bureau for its probes into President Trump and the events of January 6, 2021, related to the Capitol incident.
Consequently, top agents across the nation and others were keenly anticipating a videoconference on Wednesday with Mr. Patel, curious about his remarks after a period of turmoil and uncertainty within the F.B.I.
Responses were varied, according to several individuals familiar with the conversation.
In about 30 minutes, Mr. Patel addressed a variety of subjects. Some topics were predictable; he outlined his focus on combating violent crime and enhancing national security. He also expressed concerns over media leaks, a common grievance among F.B.I. directors.
The call, typically reserved for serious discussions, also held unexpected elements, as indicated by those present. For instance, Mr. Patel bypassed his briefing materials, which are usually standard for formal meetings in Washington, explaining that he preferred not to read them. He further remarked that he was not fond of meetings or formal attire.
It remains unclear whether he plans to maintain a regular schedule for the Wednesday calls, a practice that Christopher A. Wray, his predecessor, had continued from James B. Comey, who was dismissed by Mr. Trump in 2017. Mr. Wray resigned on January 20 rather than face dismissal.
During the call, Mr. Patel briefly stepped away, leaving Robert C. Kissane, the acting deputy, and Jodi Cohen, the acting No. 3, to occupy the moment.
Mr. Patel expressed interest in having the F.B.I. collaborate with Ultimate Fighting Championship, the well-known mixed martial arts organization. His incoming deputy, Dan Bongino, is an enthusiastic supporter of the sport. Additionally, Mr. Patel mentioned his desire to overhaul the bureau’s physical fitness assessment and to spend more time in Nevada, where he resides, and on the West Coast.
Throughout the call, Mr. Patel indicated that his visits to field offices alongside Mr. Bongino would be surprise visits to prevent causing undue stress to the employees.
An avid hockey player, Mr. Patel also expressed a wish to join the F.B.I.’s hockey team, although it remains uncertain if he would meet the team’s high standards, as former agents have indicated that the team is quite skilled.
In an interesting remark, he stated that the bureau must work to regain public trust, yet claimed improvements had already begun since his swearing-in last week. Mr. Patel, who acted as a surrogate for Mr. Trump’s re-election bid and authored a children’s book portraying the president as “King Donald,” insists he is nonpartisan.
Those listening to the call noted that Mr. Patel had previously played a critical role in undermining the bureau’s reputation through his critiques of its investigation into the links between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election. Mr. Trump, whom Mr. Patel has referred to as a “juggernaut of justice,” has denounced that investigation as a hoax and witch hunt.
To frame the investigation as politically biased, Mr. Patel has inaccurately described the rationale and circumstances that led the F.B.I. to initiate it. While the Justice Department’s inspector general found serious mistakes in the investigation, there was sufficient justification for its initiation.
Mr. Patel seemed to interchange the terms intelligence and counterintelligence, potentially suggesting confusion, which was noted by attendees. Each has a distinct yet crucial role within the F.B.I.
As per the F.B.I., the intelligence division supports operations and “manages the F.B.I.’s intelligence strategy, resources, policies, and programs,” while the counterintelligence division safeguards the nation’s secrets.
Additionally, Mr. Patel was officially sworn in on Monday as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, adding to his extensive responsibilities.
The F.B.I. media office declined to comment in an email.