On the Media: How Kash Patel Came to Loathe the Media and Love Trump

Podcast Episode: "How Kash Patel Came to Loathe the Media and Love Trump"
Release Date: February 19, 2025
Host: WNYC Studios' Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger
Featured Guest: Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois
Reporter: Alaina Platt Calabro, Staff Writer at The Atlantic

Introduction

In this compelling episode of On the Media, hosts Brooke Gladstone and Micah Loewinger delve into the intriguing transformation of Kash Patel—from a respected Department of Justice prosecutor to a fervent ally of former President Donald Trump with a deep-seated distrust of the media. Through an in-depth conversation with Senator Dick Durbin and insights from Alaina Platt Calabro’s profile in The Atlantic, the episode unravels the key events and motivations that have shaped Patel's political trajectory.

Early Career and Rise within the Department of Justice

Kash Patel began his career as a civil servant and quickly ascended the ranks within the Department of Justice (DOJ). According to Senator Dick Durbin:

"He was a capable and competent attorney who was quite charming, good on his feet in front of judges, and same thing with his colleagues in Washington in the National Security Division of the Justice Department."
— Senator Dick Durbin [03:47]

Patel was perceived by his peers as a non-political, competent professional. Notably, some colleagues even recalled him supporting Jeb Bush while living in Florida, indicating his initial moderate stance.

The Houston Courtroom Incident: The Catalyst

A pivotal moment in Patel’s career—and arguably his political realignment—occurred in 2016 during a high-stakes courtroom appearance in Houston. While on a trip to Tajikistan to interview witnesses for a terrorism case, Patel was unexpectedly summoned to a surprise hearing in Texas. Arriving without a tie, he faced rebuke from the presiding judge:

"If you come into my court, you better be dressed properly. What value do you bring to this case anyway?"
— Senator Dick Durbin [05:48]

The incident, which was later covered by The Washington Post, portrayed Patel as an unwitting victim of an overzealous judge. Despite efforts by his supervisors to obtain transcripts, the DOJ declined to publicly defend him. This perceived lack of support deeply aggrieved Patel:

"The fact that they did not defend him on the record was what counted to him. And he just simply could not let the incident go."
— Senator Dick Durbin [07:32]

This event planted the seeds for Patel's belief that the system was rigged against him, fostering a narrative of being targeted by a biased establishment.

Alignment with Devin Nunes and the Trump Administration

Feeling betrayed by the DOJ, Patel sought allies who shared his disenchantment with the system. He found a partnership with Devin Nunes, a congressman leading counter-investigations into the Russia probe. Durbin explains:

"He has cast himself in it as either the ultimate hero or the ultimate victim."
— Senator Dick Durbin [09:35]

Through Nunes, Patel became involved in producing the so-called "Nunes memo" and leveraged this role to position himself as a key figure combating the "deep state." His efforts culminated in his appointment to the National Security Council and later as Chief of Staff to the Acting Secretary of Defense, despite initial resistance from figures like National Security Advisor John Bolton.

Adoption of Conspiracy Theories and Media Hostility

Patel's transformation deepened as he embraced and propagated various conspiracy theories. In a December interview on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast, Patel made alarming statements about the media:

"We're going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens, who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections. We're going to come after you, whether it's criminally or civilly. We'll figure that out."
— Kash Patel, speaking with Steve Bannon [11:50]

Senator Durbin highlights the severity of such statements:

"I think Cash Patel is somebody who you have to take deadly seriously when it comes to statements like that."
— Senator Dick Durbin [12:11]

Patel's infatuation with the "Italygate" conspiracy theory—a convoluted subplot alleging election fraud involving military technology—illustrates his deep entanglement with fringe narratives aimed at discrediting political adversaries and the media.

Threats Against the Media and Potential for Misuse of Power

As FBI Director, Patel's rhetoric poses significant concerns regarding the potential targeting of journalists and media organizations. Durbin elaborates:

"The end goal is always the same, that Cash Patel will use his power to collect all the supposedly incriminating documents, emails, memos that they are convinced will bury the deep state."
— Senator Dick Durbin [13:50]

This raises alarms about the erosion of press freedoms and the misuse of federal power to intimidate or suppress media entities.

Side Hustles and Commodification of Political Persona

Beyond his governmental roles, Patel has ventured into various side businesses that reinforce his pro-Trump image. He has launched a range of branded merchandise under the "Cash" brand, including:

• Apparel: Cash crew polo tees, Cash scarves, and Rhino tanks.
• Beverages: "Cash Wine," which gained popularity quickly, selling out rapidly after its release.

Additionally, Patel has authored children’s books that weave conspiracy theories into fantastical narratives:

The Plot Against the King features characters like King Donald (representing Trump) and depicts a battle against corrupt forces aiming to undermine his reign.

These ventures not only generate income but also serve to amplify his political ideology and maintain his visibility within Trump’s supporter base.

Conclusion: The Implications of Patel's Transformation

Kash Patel's journey from a competent DOJ prosecutor to a key figure within Trump’s inner circle epitomizes the broader shift of certain government officials towards populist and conspiratorial politics. His actions and rhetoric pose significant challenges to institutions like the FBI and the free press, raising concerns about the future of democratic norms and accountability.

Through the insights provided by Senator Dick Durbin and Alaina Platt Calabro’s investigative reporting, On the Media offers a critical examination of how personal grievances and political opportunism can reshape an individual's role within the American political landscape, with profound implications for media relations and governance.

Notable Quotes

• Senator Dick Durbin on Patel’s Early Career:

  "He was a capable and competent attorney who was quite charming..." [03:47]

• Kash Patel on Targeting the Media:

  "We're going to come after the people in the media who lied..." [11:50]

• Durbin on Patel’s Self-Portrayal:

  "He has cast himself in it as either the ultimate hero or the ultimate victim." [09:35]

• Durbin on Media Threats:

  "The end goal is always the same, that Cash Patel will use his power..." [13:50]

Further Listening

For those interested in exploring more about the intersection of media, politics, and personal transformation within the government, tune into the full On the Media episode. Additionally, follow On the Media on Blue Sky, Instagram, and their subreddit r/onthemedia for updates and discussions.

Produced by WNYC Studios' On the Media, a Peabody Award-winning podcast that examines how media shapes public perception and policy.