Consider This from NPR: Episode Summary

Title: Wray is out. Patel may be in. What's it mean for the FBI?
Release Date: December 12, 2024
Host: Ailsa Chang
Reporter: Lisa Hagan

1. Christopher Wray’s Resignation and Legacy

Ailsa Chang opens the episode by highlighting the significance of FBI Director Christopher Wray's farewell speech. She likens writing a farewell speech to composing a personal eulogy, emphasizing its role in defining one’s legacy and the impact left behind.

Ailsa Chang [00:00]: "Writing a farewell speech is kind of like writing your own eulogy… it is worth paying attention to what FBI Director Christopher Wray told his employees… when he announced that he would resign at the end of the Biden administration."

Wray announced his resignation at the end of the Biden administration, marking the end of his tenure and opening discussions about the future direction of the FBI.

2. President Trump’s Reaction to Wray’s Departure

Former President Donald Trump expressed a starkly different perspective on Wray’s departure. He hailed Wray's resignation as a positive development for America, framing it as the end of what he termed the "weaponization of the Justice Department."

Donald Trump [00:41]: "A great day for America. The end of the, quote, weaponization of the Justice Department."

Trump, who originally nominated Wray in 2017 following the dismissal of James Comey, had previously praised Wray’s commitment to the FBI’s core values.

Donald Trump [02:11]: "I have way, way, way too much respect and affection, frankly, for the men and women of the FBI to do anything less than that."

Despite his initial support, Trump later criticized Wray, particularly when the FBI pursued investigations into Russian election interference during his presidency and executed a search warrant at his Mar A Lago resort.

Donald Trump [02:51]: "He invaded my home. I'm suing the country over it. He invaded Mar A Lago. I'm very unhappy with the things he's done and crime is at an all-time high."

3. Independence of the FBI Under Wray

Wray’s tenure was marked by his commitment to maintaining the FBI's independence, a critical aspect underscored during his confirmation hearings. The 10-year term for FBI Directors is designed to insulate them from presidential pressures, a principle Wray vowed to uphold.

Donald Trump [02:11]: "Anybody who thinks that I would be pulling punches as the FBI director sure doesn't know me very well."

However, Wray’s independent actions, such as continuing the Russia investigation and the Mar A Lago search, led to tensions with Trump, casting a spotlight on the agency’s autonomy.

4. Cash Patel’s Nomination and Controversial Background

With Wray’s impending departure, Trump has nominated Cash Patel as the next FBI Director. Patel’s nomination has sparked significant debate due to his background and public persona.

Lisa Hagan delves into Patel’s history, noting his transition from a public defender and federal prosecutor to a prominent pro-Trump influencer promoting conspiracy theories.

Lisa Hagan [05:38]: "Cash Patel has built a brand promoting pro Trump conspiracy theories. What can that tell us about his plans for the FBI?"

Patel authored children’s books and an adult-oriented book titled "Government Gangsters," where he discusses the "Deep State," a central theme in his narrative.

Cash Patel [06:37]: "Government Gangsters are the group of individuals… installed by what we call the Deep State into every agency and department in the United States government."

His involvement with conspiracy theories, particularly those surrounding the Deep State and QAnon, raises concerns about his suitability to lead an agency traditionally valued for its impartiality.

5. Concerns About Patel’s Influence and Agenda

Experts like Russell Muirhead from Dartmouth College highlight the dangers of placing a conspiracist influencer at the helm of the FBI. The Deep State narrative, whether believed or not, can be used to legitimize efforts to disrupt governmental institutions that resist Trump's influence.

Russell Muirhead [07:13]: "It's a concept that legitimizes a project to disrupt or disable the parts of government that don't bend to Trump's will."

Patel’s public statements and promotional activities further illustrate his alignment with these conspiracy theories. For instance, his children's books and merchandise promote narratives that align with QAnon and anti-establishment sentiments.

Cash Patel [07:27]: "They have spent decades building this institution of the Deep State, and it will take one more Trump term to completely annihilate it and swing an anvil through that place."

Additionally, Patel’s involvement in selling branded merchandise and promoting products that claim to counteract COVID-19 vaccines’ effects—while professing charitable intentions—adds to the controversy surrounding his appointment.

Cash Patel [09:27]: "Every dollar that comes out of the merchandise sales from fight with cash.com goes right back into the coffer to help everyday Americans."

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon also criticized Patel, emphasizing his lack of qualifications and questioning his suitability for the FBI role.

Steve Bannon [10:08]: "We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media… We're going to come after you."

6. Future Outlook for the FBI

The potential appointment of Cash Patel as FBI Director raises critical questions about the future independence and integrity of the bureau. Concerns revolve around whether the FBI will maintain its traditional role as an unbiased law enforcement body or become a tool for political vendettas.

Russell Muirhead [11:52]: "Maybe the FBI could be used to support, to generate conspiratorial narratives that delegitimate the opposition and empower the regime."

As Patel seeks confirmation from senators, his influence on the FBI’s direction remains a topic of intense scrutiny. The episode underscores the broader implications for American democracy and the rule of law, contingent on the FBI’s leadership trajectory.

Conclusion

The episode of Consider This thoroughly examines the implications of Christopher Wray’s resignation and Cash Patel’s potential appointment as the next FBI Director. Through insightful discussions and expert analysis, the hosts highlight the pivotal role FBI leadership plays in maintaining governmental integrity and the rule of law. The contrasting perspectives between Trump’s supportive stance on appointing Wray and his contentious view of Patel underscore the ongoing tension between political influence and institutional autonomy within the FBI.

Notable Quotes:

• Ailsa Chang [00:00]: "Writing a farewell speech is kind of like writing your own eulogy…"
• Donald Trump [00:41]: "A great day for America. The end of the, quote, weaponization of the Justice Department."
• Cash Patel [06:37]: "Government Gangsters are the group of individuals… installed by what we call the Deep State…"
• Russell Muirhead [07:13]: "It's a concept that legitimizes a project to disrupt or disable the parts of government that don't bend to Trump's will."
• Cash Patel [07:27]: "They have spent decades building this institution of the Deep State…"

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the critical discussions, insights, and implications presented in the episode, providing a clear understanding for those who have not listened to it.