Author’s short take
Re: “What Trump sees in Kash Patel: Avid loyalty and a kindred spirit” – David Ignatius, The Washington Post, December 6, 2024. In this exquisitely modulated column about Patel’s nomination to become Trump’s FBI chief, the always sagacious Ignatius gets it exactly right. What is utterly disqualifying about Patel’s resume is his slathering obeisance to the Great Leader. That, even more than his lack of top tier law enforcement chops, should sink his chances at the get-go. Patel clearly does not understand the wisdom, personal and institutional, behind FBI Director Jim Comey’s adamant refusal to pledge personal fealty to newly installed President Trump in their famous encounter on January 27, 2017. “Throughout history some Presidents have decided that because ‘problems’ come from Justice, they should try to hold the Department close,” Comey told the callow newcomer. “But blurring those boundaries ultimately makes the problems worse by undermining public trust in the institutions and their work.” Comey’s fidelity to Constitutional norms got him promptly fired. By contrast, the sycophancy of Putin’s FSB chiefs is what keeps them gainfully and safely employed and the Russian people in shackles. If that’s the example Patel wants to follow, he should apply for a change in citizenship. And those in Congress who are considering his nomination should bid him bon voyage without any further quibbling about his professional deficits or whether Trump deserves to get his pick of the lockstep lickspittles. Trump may claim to deserve them because of his “mammoth landslide,” the Seventh Wonder that wasn’t. But continued faith in our institutions is the only thing that keeps us from tipping over into autocracy or anarchy, take your pick.