NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
Washington, November 7, 2024 – With Donald J. Trump securing his second term as President in the recent election, several prominent figures from his previous administration are being considered for high-level positions, including Kashyap “Kash” Patel, a longtime loyalist and former National Security Council (NSC) staffer. Patel, who previously served as Chief of Staff to Acting Defense Secretary Christopher Miller, has been mentioned as a potential candidate for a senior position, possibly even as CIA Director or Attorney General, or, if he fails Senate confirmation, a top job on the National Security Council, according to the New York Times.
The 44-year-old former Department of Justice (DoJ) prosecutor became one of Trump’s key national security advisors during the first term, rising swiftly to become one of the most powerful figures in the Pentagon. Known for his strong loyalty to Trump and his outspoken stance against the intelligence agencies, Patel’s career has continued to stir controversy and divide opinion.
In a 2022 interview with IANS, Patel expressed disappointment over what he sees as a lack of support from the Indian American community. He feels “vilified” by some members who have disagreed with his role in the Trump administration and criticized him for his close ties to the former president. “I think it’s the height of hypocrisy that they won’t support people who are first-generation Indian Americans,” he stated, adding that he remains committed to helping Indian Americans advance in government and national security roles.
Patel, born to Gujarati parents who emigrated from East Africa, rose to prominence in the Trump administration by leading critical investigations and overseeing intelligence operations, including counterterrorism initiatives. His rapid ascent in Washington has made him a key figure among a small but vocal group of Indian American Republicans.
Patel had traveled to Ahmedabad with Trump in February 2020. “It was extremely humbling for the President to invite me. At the time, I was the highest ranking Indian American official at the White House, to invite me to see Prime Minister Modi in Gujarat, in my hometown and have my parents there on my birthday… ,” Patel said, adding, “It was, you know, a moment of a lifetime to go into the stadium, give my mom and dad a hug, see the Prime Minister, meet him in person. It was just such a surreal experience.”
Patel’s name recently surfaced in the Department of Justice’s investigation into the mishandling of classified documents, linked to Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. According to an affidavit, Patel publicly defended Trump’s handling of documents, claiming they had been declassified. Patel has since argued that he was unfairly named in the affidavit, suggesting that the targeting is part of a pattern of “racism against Republican minorities.”
