MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough and Jonathan Lemire discussed the growing concerns within Donald Trump’s inner circle about his nomination of MAGA loyalist Kash Patel for FBI director. While Patel has been a staunch ally of Trump and a vocal critic of his political enemies, both Scarborough and Lemire highlighted that his appointment could face significant opposition, even from those within Trump’s own camp.
“Kash Patel is not just controversial among media outlets or Democrats, he is not just controversial among Republican senators,” Scarborough noted. “He is controversial inside Trump’s own orbit. You go inside Trump’s own orbit and it is split down the middle with half the people thinking he is going to be a disaster for any Donald Trump administration and they never wanted this nomination to see the light of day because, again, that divide goes straight through MAGA world for those around Donald Trump.”
Lemire echoed Scarborough’s remarks, revealing that the nomination was seen by some as a way for Trump to appease his extreme right-wing supporters. “People I talked to say this pick was a nod to the extreme right-wing portions of Trump base, the Steve Bannon, ultra-MAGA sector here who had been disappointed by Trump’s picks like treasury secretary and secretary of state,” he said.
However, Lemire also pointed out that many people in Trump’s orbit were deeply concerned about Patel’s qualifications and the potential dangers of his approach. “This is Trump throwing them red meat because he knows he needs to keep them happy, but other people in Trumpworld are deeply worried about this pick, that Patel is not only not qualified but dangerous, that he will not think twice or hesitate in carrying out whatever Trump wants, people say, even for people breaking the law.”
There is also speculation that Trump might try to sidestep a confirmation battle by firing current FBI director Christopher Wray and appointing Patel as an interim director. “That seemed trouble and this seems hardly a sure thing, but if he were to fire Wray, Patel could step in in an interim way for 200 or so days,” Lemire said.
“Even if he can’t be confirmed it will be enough to carry out some of Trump’s agenda.” This unfolding situation underscores the complex and divided nature of Trump’s relationship with key figures in his own camp.