William Webster, the only person to lead both the FBI and the CIA, has urged the U.S. Senate to reject Donald Trump’s nominees for director of the FBI, Kash Patel, and director of national intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, citing their lack of qualifications. In a letter to senators, the 100-year-old Webster, appointed by both Republican and Democratic presidents, stressed the critical need for nonpartisan leadership and experience, qualities he argued Patel and Gabbard lack. He emphasized the gravity of the Senate’s decision, writing, “The safety of the American people – and your own families – depends on it.”
Webster specifically targeted Patel’s suitability to head the FBI, suggesting his close alignment with President Trump raises serious concerns about impartiality. He wrote, “While Mr. Patel’s intelligence and patriotism are commendable, his close political alignment with President Trump raises serious concerns about impartiality and integrity. His record of executing the president’s directives suggests a loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law – a dangerous precedent for an agency tasked with impartial enforcement of justice.” Webster highlighted Patel’s public vow to pursue Trump’s enemies, his plan to transform the FBI’s Washington headquarters into a “deep state” museum, and his book, “Government Gangsters,” which critics have labeled an “enemies list.”
Webster also questioned Gabbard’s qualifications for director of national intelligence, noting her lack of intelligence experience and the immense challenge of overseeing 18 disparate agencies. He emphasized the crucial role of trust in international collaborations and the severe consequences of its absence. “Effective management of our intelligence community requires unparalleled expertise to navigate the complexities of global threats and to maintain the trust of allied nations,” he wrote. “Without that trust, our ability to safeguard sensitive secrets and collaborate internationally is severely diminished.” Gabbard’s past friendliness with Bashar al-Assad and her repetition of pro-Kremlin talking points regarding the war in Ukraine have also raised concerns within the intelligence community.
Before last month’s presidential election, Webster was among 100 Republican former national security and foreign policy officials who endorsed Kamala Harris.