Particle.news
Download on the App Store
25 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Reports Say Trump Weighing Kash Patel’s Ouster as FBI Director, White House Issues Swift Denial

Any move to install co–deputy Andrew Bailey as acting director would become legally viable after December 15 under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act.

FILE PHOTO: FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., November 12, 2025. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/File Photo
UNITED STATES - AUGUST 11: President Donald Trump and FBI Director Kash Patel conduct a news conference in the White House briefing room to announce the federal government will take control of the Metropolitan Police Department and use the National Guard to fight crime in Washington, D.C., on Monday, August 11, 2025. (Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call via AP Images)
Image
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel listens while U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., October 15, 2025.

Overview

  • MS NOW reported, citing three anonymous sources, that President Trump is considering removing FBI Director Kash Patel in the coming months after negative headlines and internal friction.
  • White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly dismissed the report as “completely made up” and posted an Oval Office photo of Trump with Patel to underscore the denial.
  • Patel has faced allegations of using a government jet for a trip to watch his girlfriend perform and assigning elite agents to her security detail, along with criticism over premature social media posts.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have been described as frustrated by the distractions and potential investigative risks tied to Patel’s conduct, according to reporting.
  • Andrew Bailey, appointed co–deputy director on September 15, is viewed by sources as a potential successor, though no personnel action has been taken and FVRA rules would allow him to serve as acting director only after December 15 for up to 210 days.