Trump Backs FBI Chief Amid Ouster Rumors and Jet Misuse Claims

Reports swirling about President Donald Trump potentially firing FBI Director Kash Patel have been met with a strong defense from the President himself. Trump publicly stated that Patel is ‘doing a great job,’ dismissing allegations that he was considering the FBI chief’s removal. These rumors gained momentum following a report suggesting Trump’s frustration with negative headlines surrounding Patel, particularly concerning the alleged misuse of government resources. The report claimed Trump was weighing replacing Patel with Andrew Bailey, the FBI’s co-deputy director. However, the White House has vehemently denied these claims, labeling the story ‘completely made up.’ A spokeswoman shared an anecdote of Trump laughing off the report, calling it false and even taking a photo with Patel to showcase his positive performance. FBI directors are appointed to 10-year terms to ensure independence from political pressures, a safeguard potentially relevant to Patel’s situation. Patel, known for his loyalty to Trump, has previously expressed views on restructuring the FBI, including advocating for the removal of its intelligence-gathering authority and purging employees not aligned with Trump’s agenda.