New information has broken recently about Kash Patel going snorkling over the graves of the men of the Arizona at Pearl Harbor. To quote a Marine veteran, Hack Albertson, “It’s like having a bachelor party at a church. It’s hallowed ground,” Albertson told the AP. “It needs to be treated with the solemnity it deserves.” Solemnity and respect are not Patel’s strong suits. Using his post to party is.
This controversy is fueling swirling speculation about Patel’s future in the Trump administration, an analyst reported on Thursday.
Patel has been on thin ice with Trump after reports surfaced of allegations of excessive drinking, a video showing him partying with the Olympic hockey team, and using government-funded jets on trips. MS NOW producer Steve Benen reported on Thursday on why the latest revelation has been so notable.
“Part of what makes the new allegations so striking is the fact that many of Patel’s troubles stem from leaks from FBI insiders,” Benen wrote. “The director has struggled for months with critics within the bureau, but there’s every reason to believe the problem is getting worse.”
“What’s more, it’s worth appreciating just how unsurprising the latest controversy is,” Benen added.
It’s unclear what could come next for Patel and his White House career. Politico had reported weeks ago that things “aren’t looking great” for the FBI director and that he could be the next Trump administration official to leave.
“This dovetailed with related observations about just how little the White House has done to defend Patel, or even to say his name out loud, in the face of multiple controversies,” Benen explained.
“The director started scrambling soon after to save his job, but between the latest reporting and the ‘Saturday Night Live’ sketches that lampooned Patel as a national joke, no one should be too surprised if the president starts looking for some faraway land that needs a new ambassador. Watch this space,” Benen added.
It took quite a while and quite a lot to get rid of Pam Bondi and Kristi Noem but they are gone now. Patel seems to be following in their footsteps. He’s number one to be next on Trump’s chopping block.
Plus, it’s amusing as hell if you contrast how the FBI is leaking like a sieve with Patel’s efforts to polygraph everybody on the premises of the bureau and find the “traitors.” Patel is positively comedic. He got locked out of his computer one day and became convinced that he’d been fired from the White House. Maybe he went on Truth Social looking for his termination papers since that’s how things are done nowadays.
This bit of self-granted funtime is a desecration of a hallowed spot. He might as well have stood there on the actual memorial and pissed on the deck and into the water. As for this upsetting Trump? We know he doesn’t give a shit about those who actually served, or even sacrificed their lives for this country. Part of him probably approves of Patel’s stunt and he’s looking into turning it into a grift – for enough millions in donations rich pals can do their own snorkeling gig.
As for those polygraphs, let’s hope the FBI operators are loyal to the institution and ensure the suspected leakers all get a “No signs of deception” finding.
Patel? Well, if Trump wants to exile him someplace I’ve got the perfect suggestion. Send him to oversee our interests at the post in Diego Garcia. I’ve been told by one person I personally know who’s been there it’s got beaches that are the equal of any in the world. Pristine blue water that just begs a person to go for a swim. Or say snorkeling. Of course, it’s majorly infested with SHARKS and swimming there would be suicide. But Patel probably doesn’t know that…