A growing number of Republican U.S. senators are optimistic about Kash Patel’s chances in confirmation hearings, with the brash former intelligence official garnering unlikely praise from some of the chamber’s most moderate voices.
Count Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) among those keeping an open mind about Patel heading up the FBI. Patel, a close ally of President-elect Donald Trump, was tapped on Saturday to replace Christopher Wray as Director of the Bureau, an appointment which would give the president-elect a death grip on the agency he has long complained investigated him on false or trumped-up charges. On Monday Collins signaled to Politico that she believes Patel, 44, has a lengthy resumé that deserves careful review.
“I don’t know Kash Patel,” Collins said. “I had heard his name, but I don’t know his background, and I’m going to have to do a lot of work before reaching a decision on him. In general, I’ve found it’s important to review the background check, the committee work and the public hearing.”
Her comments are striking given her public criticisms of Matt Gaetz, President Trump’s initial pick for U.S. attorney general who last week withdrew from consideration.
Patel is seen by many observers to