• President Trump is actively considering the removal of FBI Director Kash Patel, frustrated by negative headlines and internal conflicts.
  • Senior FBI official Andrew Bailey is a leading candidate to replace Patel, eligible to serve as acting director after mid-December.
  • Patel's tenure has been marked by controversial staff purges and scrutiny over his use of bureau resources, fueling concerns over the FBI's politicization.

President Trump is weighing the removal of FBI Director Kash Patel in the coming months, according to three people familiar with the matter, a move that would mark another dramatic shift in the leadership of the nation's top law enforcement agency. The deliberations, which are not yet final, stem from growing frustration within Trump's circle over negative media coverage surrounding Patel, including intense scrutiny over his use of bureau resources for personal matters and public disputes with other Trump allies.

At the center of the internal criticism are allegations that Patel misused FBI assets, such as employing a government jet for personal reasons and assigning FBI security personnel to his girlfriend. These actions, along with his public social media activity, have drawn sharp rebukes from within the administration, including from Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche, the people said.

The discussions have identified senior FBI official Andrew Bailey as a potential successor. Bailey, currently a co-deputy director and the former Missouri state Attorney General, is viewed favorably by some within the bureau's ranks. Under federal law, he would be eligible to serve as acting director for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation if Patel were removed after December 15, providing the administration with flexibility.

Patel, a Trump loyalist, was nominated and confirmed as FBI Director earlier in 2025 following the removal of Christopher Wray. His tenure has been defined by aggressive and controversial actions, including major staff purges that allegedly targeted officials associated with past Trump investigations and the disbanding of the bureau's public corruption squad. These moves have sparked significant political debate, with Senate Democrats accusing Patel of directing retaliatory firings that endanger oversight of crime and national security.

The administration has justified the firings and restructuring under presidential powers, but this rationale is now being challenged in court. Former acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll has sued Patel and the Department of Justice, alleging politically motivated loyalty tests and expulsions.

Efforts to reach the FBI's public affairs office and a representative for Andrew Bailey for comment were not immediately successful. A White House spokesperson declined to comment on personnel matters.

The ongoing leadership crisis has heightened concerns among current and former officials about the deepening politicization of the FBI's mission. Some stakeholders argue the recent actions risk undermining public trust in federal law enforcement and could impair major agency priorities, such as counterterrorism and anti-corruption efforts. Public reaction remains sharply divided along political lines.

If Patel is removed and Bailey installed, observers expect a period of further instability and potential policy shifts for the bureau. The final decision, however, has not been made and could change, the people familiar with the matter cautioned.