Drenon 2025: But Democrats say Patel is a far-right conspiracy theorist with little experience in law enforcement, and someone who would put fealty to Trump above his oath to lead a department that is meant to operate independently. Drenon, Brandon (February 20, 2025). "Kash Patel vows to 'rebuild' FBI after Senate confirms him". BBC News. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
Hubbard 2025: Patel, who has been critical of current federal officials, has sparked controversy for including in his book a list known as the "Executive Branch Deep State," which some have referred to as an enemies list that he could seek to prosecute as FBI director. Hubbard, Kaia (January 19, 2025). "Sen. Lindsey Graham says he is "ready to vote for Kash Patel" for FBI director". CBS News. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
Cohen 2025: Patel rebutted Democratic allegations that he was a "conspiracy theorist" by saying he believes QAnon "baseless," despite his past praise for the movement that promotes the false notion that top Democrats are at the helm of an international pedophilia cabal. Cohen, Marshall (January 30, 2025). "Takeaways from FBI director nominee Kash Patel's combative confirmation hearing". CNN. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
Axelrod 2024: Asked about Patel's book "Government Gangsters," in which he included a 60-person "enemies list," Schmitt dismissed that as a "footnote" in the book and insisted that Patel does not have an "enemies list." Axelrod, Tal (December 15, 2024). "GOP Sen. Eric Schmitt: Tulsi Gabbard fits Trump's 'reform agenda'". ABC News. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
Savage, Barnes & Feuer 2024: He placed Kash Patel, a conspiracy theorist who has since written a children's book about the Russia investigation in which a "King Donald" is persecuted by a wicked "Hillary Queenton" and vowed to prosecute journalists in a second Trump administration, in the Pentagon as chief of staff to the acting defense secretary and considered him for a senior C.I.A. post. Savage, Charlie; Barnes, Julian; Feuer, Alan (April 12, 2024). "Campaign Puts Trump and the Spy Agencies on a Collision Course". The New York Times. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
