
Fresh Air How Kash Patel Is Changing The FBI’s Mission
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Nov 19, 2025 Mark Fisher, a journalist and New Yorker contributor, delves into Kash Patel's controversial rise as FBI director, highlighting his loyalty to Trump and departure from traditional law enforcement norms. Fisher reveals how many within the Bureau appreciate Patel's focus on crime-fighting while expressing deep concerns over his drastic changes and claims of retribution against former officials. The discussion unveils Patel's conspiratorial tendencies, shifting priorities, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding his leadership, painting a complex picture of his impact on the FBI.
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Showmanship Over Conventional Bureau Style
- Kash Patel prioritizes spectacle and showmanship over traditional FBI decorum and norms.
- That performance style helps explain Trump's support and Patel's confrontational public persona.
Director’s Personal Perks Spark Internal Backlash
- Patel gave his girlfriend an executive security detail and used the FBI jet for personal trips, which many agents view as misuse.
- He says he repaid travel costs at commercial rates, but agents see the moves as wasteful and unseemly.
Polygraph Exemptions Erode Trust
- Patel exempted deputy Dan Bongino and others from polygraphs, undermining trust in security screening.
- Agents suspect exemptions concealed failed polygraphs and resent unequal standards for senior officials.








