"That led some in MAGA to question whether Patel was capable of leading the Kirk investigation, much less the crackdowns on political violence the movement desires. What they're saying: Patel "performed terribly in the last few days, and it's not clear whether he has the operational expertise to investigate, infiltrate, and disrupt the violent movements - of whatever ideology - that threaten the peace in the United States," right-wing writer Christopher Rufo wrote on X."
"Trump expressed support for Patel after the FBI director's too-early post led critics to accuse Patel of being too interested in announcing developments in the case on social media. "I am very proud of the FBI," Trump told Fox News Digital Saturday. "Kash - and everyone else - they have done a great job." "Kash's job is safe. The president is happy," a senior administration official told Axios on Sunday."
A premature social-media announcement by FBI Director Kash Patel that a "subject" was "in custody" prompted investigators to release that person and sparked criticism within the MAGA movement. Some questioned Patel's operational competence to lead the Kirk investigation and larger crackdowns on political violence. Right-wing critics, including Christopher Rufo, said Patel "performed terribly" and lacked expertise to investigate, infiltrate and disrupt violent movements. Other MAGA voices defended Patel, noting the suspect, Tyler Robinson, was apprehended within 48 hours and praising Patel's on-air transparency and forensic details. President Trump and a senior administration official publicly expressed support for Patel.
Read at Axios
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