“God Help Us”: Ex-FBI Agent Alarmed as Trump Loyalists Grenell and Patel Eyed for Top Security Roles
Former President Donald Trump asked a New York judge to set aside his hush money trial conviction. /Seth Wenig Via Reuters
A former FBI agent expressed deep concerns Wednesday night following a report indicating that two controversial Trump loyalists, Richard Grenell and Kash Patel, may be considered for high-ranking security positions in President-elect Donald Trump’s new administration. Politico reported that Grenell, who previously served as Trump’s acting director of national intelligence in 2020, is being touted by Trump insiders as a likely candidate for a top national security role, potentially even Secretary of State.
“Grenell was Trump’s acting director of national intelligence for several months in 2020 and has also been suggested for a role such as director of the Central Intelligence Agency, where he may be urged by Trump to unearth the so-called ‘deep state,’” Politico noted. Grenell’s appointment has stirred alarm given his background and lack of experience in intelligence work, which previously drew considerable criticism.
Kash Patel, another Trump loyalist who rapidly advanced within the administration after joining in 2019, is reportedly also eyeing the CIA post. Politico’s report cited that Patel has told associates he hopes to lead the CIA, a position that would place him in one of the most critical roles in national security. Patel has drawn scrutiny for his involvement in controversial matters, including serving as a back channel for Trump on Ukraine policy and promoting conspiracy theories about the 2020 election.
Reacting to the news, former FBI Special Agent Asha Rangappa voiced her alarm on X (formerly Twitter), writing simply, “God help us.” Rangappa, who has been vocal about national security and governance issues, highlighted the concerns many have regarding Grenell and Patel’s possible influence over critical security agencies.
Grenell has faced intense criticism for his lack of intelligence experience. When he was appointed acting director of national intelligence in 2020, some feared he would politicize the intelligence apparatus to align with Trump’s objectives. “Everyone knows he has no qualifications for this job,” Mark Groombridge, a former aide to John Bolton who worked closely with Grenell, stated at the time. While acknowledging Grenell’s skills, Groombridge questioned whether he could fulfill the job’s impartiality requirements: “Ric has many talents and a considerable skill set,” Groombridge said.
However, he added, “the job’s required impartiality doesn’t comport with that skill set at all.” Adding to the concerns, Grenell failed to disclose payments he received for advocacy work on behalf of a Moldovan politician later accused of corruption. Critics have argued that this omission left him vulnerable to potential blackmail, further complicating his suitability for a role of such importance.
Patel’s rapid rise within the Trump administration and his involvement in controversial matters also make his candidacy for CIA director particularly contentious. He attracted scrutiny during the Ukraine scandal when reports suggested he may have acted as an unofficial back channel for Trump’s Ukraine policy. Patel has been an ardent supporter of Trump’s assertions regarding the 2020 election and has defended the rioters involved in the January 6 Capitol attack.
In an interview with Trump ally Steve Bannon last year, Patel openly discussed Trump’s determination to pursue retribution against perceived enemies, both within and outside of government. “We gotta put in all-American patriots top to bottom,” Patel declared, emphasizing the importance of loyalty to Trump’s cause. He continued, “We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government but in the media… Yes, we’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections…
Whether it’s criminally or civilly, we’re going to figure that out.” Patel’s rhetoric has raised concerns about the direction a Trump administration would take with individuals like him in key positions. As he bluntly stated, “This is why we’re tyrannical. This is why we’re dictators.”
With Trump loyalists like Grenell and Patel potentially overseeing some of the nation’s most sensitive intelligence operations, national security experts and former officials are sounding alarms. Their possible appointments, viewed by some as overtly partisan and aimed at furthering Trump’s agenda, signal a highly charged future for America’s intelligence and security agencies.
