Trump Backs Kash Patel After Reports He Considered Ousting Him as FBI Director

A recent report from MS NOW claimed that Trump and senior aides were “weighing” the removal of Director Kash Patel, citing growing frustration over a stream of “unflattering headlines.”

The alleged issues included criticism of Patel’s use of bureau resources (like a government jet and security for his girlfriend) and internal tensions, particularly around investigations and personnel decisions.

But almost immediately, the White House — via press secretary Karoline Leavitt — dismissed the report as “completely made up.” Leavitt even shared a photo of Trump and Patel meeting in the Oval Office, saying that the president “laughed” when shown the story and insisted it was false.

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What Trump Did — Public Show of Support

Rather than firing back quietly, Trump opted for a visible, symbolic gesture: he stood beside Patel and affirmed his confidence in him. The move was widely interpreted as a message to critics — and perhaps a warning that loyalists remain firmly in place.

The show of unity appears intended to quash talk of upheaval at the FBI, stabilize the leadership, and send a clear signal to allies and critics alike.

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Why It Matters

Patel’s tenure has been controversial. Critics — including lawmakers from both sides of the aisle — have raised concerns about politicization, alleged purges of senior agents, and operational decisions within the FBI.

If Trump had followed through on a firing, it would have marked a dramatic reshaping of the Bureau’s leadership during a tumultuous period, with huge implications for law enforcement oversight and institutional stability.

By publicly backing Patel, Trump may be aiming to reaffirm control over the FBI — and allay fears among supporters that the agency might shift direction again.