Patel promised to crack down on the media, the US' "most powerful enemy," when he was appointed by Trump's FBI.

In the past, Kash Patel has stated his determination to take tough measures against journalists and government workers who leak information.

Kash Patel, president-elect Donald Trump's choice to lead the FBI, had previously stated that he intended to implement reforms that would facilitate the prosecution of journalists.

Kash Patel had promised to "go out and find the conspirators not just in government but in the media" in an interview with American media executive and political strategist Steve Bannon in December 2023.

The practice of covertly obtaining reporters' phone records while conducting leak investigations was discontinued by the US Department of Justice in 2021. Patel has, however, stated that he would target media individuals who take part in information leaks in addition to government personnel.

Whether it's criminally or civilly, he said, "We're going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens who helped Joe Biden rig presidential elections."

According to news agency AP, Patel, a longtime Trump admirer, has criticized the federal bureaucracy and pledged to bring charges against journalists he believes to be traitors.

The media is "the most powerful enemy the United States has ever seen," Patel said during an inquiry into Russian meddling in Donald Trump's 2016 campaign.

Patel's distrust of the "deep-state" extends beyond the media; he has pledged to curtail the federal agency's operations, including shutting down its bureau headquarters.

Christopher Wray, the former director of the FBI, will be directly opposed to Patel's nomination. Trump was the subject of many government investigations under Wray, including one that searched his Mar-a-Lago home for secret information.

Kash Patel's selection is consistent with those of Donald Trump's other nominees, all of whom are ardent followers who are ready to target anyone who challenges Trump.

Additionally, Trump appointed one of his most ardent supporters, Pam Bondi, to head the Department of Justice.