The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: Ignatius and Goldsmith on the Story of Kash Patel
Dec 8, 2024
David Ignatius, a Washington Post columnist known for his insights on national security, joins Jack Goldsmith, a co-founder of Lawfare and expert in law and policy. They delve into Kash Patel's controversial role in the Trump administration, exploring his influence during the transition to Biden. The discussion examines Patel's various actions, the dynamics of the deep state, and the challenges faced by intelligence officials. Ignatius and Goldsmith shed light on the tensions within the executive branch and the broader implications for U.S. governance.
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Patel's Role
- Kash Patel, former Devin Nunes staffer, held various positions in the Trump administration.
- Trump considered him for roles like Deputy Director of the CIA, aiming to replace Gina Haspel.
Patel's Agenda
- Patel's actions remain partially mysterious, involving a blend of Trump's objectives and Patel's ambition.
- It exemplifies how individuals can exploit circumstances for personal agendas within a chaotic administration.
Discrediting the Investigation
- Patel's main goal was to discredit the Russia investigation, a narrative Trump strongly supported.
- A key question remains whether Patel also aimed to seize control of intelligence agencies amidst the election challenge.