How Kash Patel Came to Loathe the Media and Love Trump
Feb 19, 2025
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Elaina Plott Calabro, a staff writer at The Atlantic known for her in-depth profiles, discusses the controversial rise of Kash Patel. She traces his journey from attorney to a prominent figure in the Trump administration. Elaina delves into Patel's transformation and his intense disdain for the media, particularly fueled by his experiences at the Justice Department. The conversation also covers his self-image as both a hero and a victim, and how conspiracy theories, like Italy Gate, shaped his political rhetoric and motivations.
Kash Patel's rapid rise within the Trump administration was fueled by his resentment toward established systems and a strong narrative of victimhood.
His post-administrative ventures, including merchandising and writing, reflect a strategy to monetize his identity as a pro-Trump figure against perceived corruption.
Deep dives
Kash Patel's Rise to Power
Kash Patel experienced a rapid ascent within the political landscape, transitioning from a civil servant to a pivotal figure in the Trump administration. After serving as a prosecutor with the Department of Justice, he aligned himself with Devin Nunes, who led the counter-investigation into the Mueller report regarding Russian interference. By strategically positioning himself, Patel quickly became the Deputy at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and later the Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense. His ability to navigate these roles and build connections in Washington is highlighted through the insights gathered from over 40 associates, who initially viewed him as competent and charming, yet politically neutral during his early career, contrary to the persona he later embraced as a staunch Trump supporter.
Catalysts for Political Transformation
An early defining moment for Kash Patel occurred during a courtroom incident while working on a terrorism case, where he faced severe criticism for his appearance, leading to a lasting sense of injustice. The lack of defense from his superiors, despite their private concerns, fueled Patel's belief that the system was rigged against him, prompting him to seek out leaders unafraid to challenge the status quo. This incident appears to have contributed to a growing resentment that Patel harbored toward established systems and figures in government, which he then channeled into his political ambitions alongside Nunes. Through this lens, Patel's transformation into a prominent pro-Trump figure can be seen as motivated not only by ambition but also by a deeply rooted narrative of victimhood and betrayal by the institutions he once served.
Patel's Ventures and Motivations After Trump
Following his tenure in the Trump administration, Kash Patel struggled to find stable employment, leading him to capitalize on his association with Trump through various commercial ventures. His foray into merchandising, including items like 'Cash Crew' apparel and even branded wine, alongside the sale of books that paint him as a hero within narratives of conspiracy, showcases a shift toward monetizing his image. In his writings, particularly in 'Government Gangsters,' Patel extends his grievances beyond Trump’s presidency, identifying figures from previous administrations as part of a perceived corruption network, highlighting his long-standing resentments. Ultimately, Patel's post-administrative strategy illustrates a blend of political motivation and personal vendetta, positioning him as a relentless advocate of his narrative against the so-called deep state.
This week, the Senate will consider more of Trump’s Cabinet nominees, including his pick for FBI director, Kash Patel. For this midweek podcast, we're looking back at this conversation host Micah Loewinger had with Atlantic staff writer Elaina Plott Calabro, who charted Patel's rise to power, starting at the very beginning of his legal career. She explains how he came to loathe the media, and love Trump.
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