US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed his loyalist Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel as the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). With this appointment, Patel becomes the second Indian-American to be included in his cabinet.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump stated that Indian-American Kash would work under the leadership of the esteemed Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to restore Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI. “I am proud to announce that Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is an exceptional lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ advocate who has dedicated his career to exposing corruption, upholding justice, and safeguarding the American people.
“He played a crucial role in exposing the ‘Russia, Russia, Russia’ hoax, consistently standing for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. Kash delivered remarkable service during my first term, holding positions such as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council,” Trump said in his post.
Kash Patel’s views on global and domestic issues stand out for their marked divergence from those of the US establishment and mainstream media. Patel, an Indian-American and Trump loyalist, has been vocal in his support for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, citing historical significance that he argues has been ignored by Western narratives. His remarks challenge what he describes as a “disinformation campaign” targeting India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
During the consecration of the Ram Temple, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) expressed concerns, telling Voice of America they were “troubled” by the construction. Similarly, The New York Times called it “A Triumph Toward a Hindu-First India,” and CNN reported, “Ayodhya Ram Mandir: India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site.” Patel criticised these accounts, accusing US media of focusing solely on the last 50 years while neglecting the temple’s historical roots.
Patel stated in February: “Whether or not you are Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of the quintessential gods in the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, and they have been trying to get it back for 500 years. Washington establishments conveniently forgot this part of history.” He further suggested that comparisons between Trump and Modi by the Washington elite contributed to this narrative, as both leaders are often framed as populist disruptors.
Trump’s Hindu Outreach
Trump has consistently sought to deepen ties with Hindu-Americans, condemning violence against Hindus in Bangladesh and opposing legislation perceived as targeting their community. During Diwali, Trump pledged to protect Hindu-Americans from what he called the “radical left’s anti-religion agenda,” reinforcing his alliance with India and Modi.
Trump’s outreach aligns with Patel’s broader perspective on US-India relations. Patel emphasises shared challenges such as terrorism and countering China’s influence, while criticising Biden’s perceived neglect of the US-India tech partnership. He also lauded Trump’s unpredictability in foreign policy, describing it as a strategic advantage that deters adversaries like Iran and North Korea.
Patel’s Views on Key Issues
• US-India Relations: Advocates a strong alliance, crediting Trump and Modi for fostering mutual respect and shared goals.
• China Strategy: Claims Trump’s policies were more effective than Biden’s in countering China’s regional and global ambitions.
• Immigration: Supports secure borders while maintaining lawful immigration to balance economic and security needs.
• Deep State and Justice System: Alleges a two-tier system biased against conservatives, echoing Trump’s criticisms of US institutions.
• Emerging Technologies: Stresses collaboration between the US and India in AI and quantum computing as critical for national security.
Patel on Trump and Modi: A Strategic Alliance
Patel views Trump as a leader who prioritises American interests while valuing global partnerships, especially with India. He contrasts this with the Biden administration’s approach, arguing that Trump’s policies were more effective in tackling shared global challenges. Patel also credits Trump with respecting Modi’s leadership, focusing on strategic alignment over internal politics.
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