Prosecutor drops BAD NEWS on Kash Patel’s plans as FBI Director

Summary

The video discusses the potential nomination of Cash Patel as FBI Director under a future Trump administration, addressing concerns about his qualifications, partisan approach, and potential misuse of FBI resources. The speakers, Glenn and Brian, critique Patel's threats to pursue baseless prosecutions against individuals he accuses of rigging the 2020 election. They explore how FBI agents might resist unlawful orders, the legal framework for reporting misconduct, and the challenges Patel could face if he attempts to politicize investigations. They also raise alarms about other problematic cabinet nominations, underscoring the importance of Senate oversight to protect the integrity of U.S. government institutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cash Patel has been proposed as a possible FBI Director under Donald Trump, sparking controversy due to his baseless claims about election rigging.
• 😀 Patel suggested pursuing criminal or civil action against individuals who supposedly helped rig the 2020 election for Joe Biden, despite there being no evidence to support these claims.
• 😀 Glenn, a former federal prosecutor, argues that Patel's statements disqualify him from leading the FBI, as they violate basic legal and constitutional principles.
• 😀 In the U.S., investigations must be backed by evidence, and prosecutors traditionally do not act without a thorough investigation. Patel's rhetoric undermines this principle.
• 😀 Patel's suggestion to target individuals without proper legal grounds is seen as politically motivated and could tarnish the FBI's reputation and legitimacy.
• 😀 If Patel were confirmed, FBI agents could face challenges in resisting unlawful directives, but they would have internal channels like whistleblower protections to report misconduct.
• 😀 The possibility of career FBI employees pushing back against Patel’s illegal actions is a key concern. They could expose and report unlawful behavior from their superiors.
• 😀 The FBI has built-in checks, such as the Attorney General's oversight and offices within the Department of Justice, to prevent abuse of power by the FBI Director.
• 😀 Glenn predicts that any prosecutions under Patel's leadership that are politically motivated would likely be dismissed in court due to the lack of legitimate evidence.
• 😀 Despite the internal mechanisms to resist Patel’s potential overreach, there is concern about the wider political implications of his agenda if he were confirmed as FBI Director.

Q & A

What is the main concern regarding Cash Patel's potential nomination as FBI Director?

The main concern is that Cash Patel could use the FBI to target political enemies, particularly those he claims helped rig the 2020 election, despite there being no evidence to support such claims. His statements suggest a potential abuse of power for political retribution.

What did Cash Patel say in his interview with Steve Bannon that caused alarm?

Cash Patel stated that he and his team would go after people in the media and others who he claims helped rig the 2020 presidential election. He also mentioned that they would pursue these individuals criminally or civilly, regardless of the evidence.

Why is it concerning that Patel would target people based on a baseless election fraud theory?

It is concerning because such actions would be a clear violation of legal and ethical standards. The FBI should not be used to carry out politically motivated actions, and targeting individuals based on unproven conspiracy theories undermines the rule of law.

What legal and ethical standards govern the FBI's conduct in investigations?

FBI investigations must be based on credible evidence of a crime, not on political motivations. Federal prosecutors typically only speak after a thorough investigation reveals enough evidence to indict someone, ensuring fairness and transparency.

How might FBI agents resist unlawful directives from Cash Patel if he were appointed as FBI Director?

FBI agents are expected to uphold their oath to the Constitution and not to follow unlawful or unethical orders. There are internal mechanisms, such as the Office of Professional Responsibility and whistleblower protections, that would allow agents to report misconduct or refuse to comply with illegal directives.

What protections exist for FBI employees to report misconduct by their superiors?

FBI employees can report misconduct through several channels, including the Inspector General's office, the Office of Professional Responsibility, and whistleblower statutes, all of which offer protections against retaliation.

What is the significance of Bill Barr's comments regarding Cash Patel's potential role at the FBI?

Bill Barr, former Attorney General, stated that Cash Patel would not be able to command the necessary respect to lead the FBI, citing Patel’s lack of experience and the potential challenges in managing the FBI's operations ethically and legally.

How might Cash Patel’s past statements about prosecuting people affect any future legal actions?

If Patel were to initiate baseless or vindictive prosecutions, his past statements could be used as evidence by defense attorneys to argue that the prosecutions are politically motivated. This could lead to legal challenges and potential dismissals of charges.

What challenges would Cash Patel face in trying to politicize the FBI's operations?

Patel would face significant resistance from FBI agents committed to the Constitution and would have to overcome legal safeguards like the requirement for credible evidence before opening investigations. Additionally, federal prosecutors and judges would likely oppose politically motivated actions.

What could be the consequences if Patel attempts to use the FBI to target political opponents without credible evidence?

If Patel attempted to direct FBI agents to target individuals without credible evidence, it could result in legal challenges, including motions to dismiss charges due to vindictive prosecution. Such actions could severely damage the FBI’s credibility and integrity, and Patel could face legal repercussions for abusing his authority.