Kash Patel’s future as FBI director has come under renewed scrutiny after MS NOW reported that President Donald Trump is considering removing him in the coming months, citing three people familiar with the discussions. The outlet — formerly MSNBC — said the President and senior aides have grown frustrated by negative headlines surrounding Patel and have privately begun exploring alternatives.
According to the report, Trump has even told allies he is evaluating top FBI official Andrew Bailey as a potential replacement. Two sources described Patel as “on thin ice,” suggesting his removal appears closer than ever, though the President could still reverse course.
White House denies report, calls it ‘completely made up’
The White House swiftly pushed back. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the story was “completely made up,” adding that she was in the Oval Office when the article was published. At the time, Trump was reportedly meeting Patel and his law enforcement team.
Leavitt wrote on X that the President laughed after seeing the report and even posed for a photograph with Patel to project confidence in his leadership. She reiterated the denial again after MS NOW posted the story online.
Scrutiny over Patel’s use of resources
Patel has faced weeks of criticism over what critics have described as questionable management of bureau resources. He has been under the spotlight for issues linked to his girlfriend’s security detail, his use of a government aircraft, and several internal disputes with fellow Trump-aligned officials.
Earlier, The Wall Street Journal reported that Patel used a government jet for several personal trips, including flights to a luxury resort in Texas and to his girlfriend’s home in Tennessee. The report prompted a fresh round of questions and intensified debate about his oversight of FBI assets.
Uncertain path ahead
Despite the White House’s denial, MS NOW maintains that deliberations over Patel’s future are underway, driven primarily by concerns inside the administration about ongoing controversies. Those familiar with the matter told the outlet that Trump has grown increasingly impatient with the headlines overshadowing other priorities.
For now, Patel remains in his post, backed publicly by the President’s office. Whether that support holds in the coming months remains uncertain, as competing narratives from the administration and MS NOW continue to shape the political fallout.