The FBI, Kash Patel, and the Authoritarian Playbook
I wasn’t planning on writing today, but Trump’s pick for FBI Director is too dangerous to ignore. I have seen this story before of how institutions are weaponized against the people, and this pick would do just that. Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist, has made it clear that he plans to target those he calls “conspirators,” not just within the government but in the media as well.
As Patel said on Steve Bannon's War Room podcast: “We will go out and find the conspirators not just in government, but in the media.”
Patel’s rise within Trump’s orbit is a glaring warning sign. His vision for the FBI would be chilling: using law enforcement to target political opponents, silence dissent, and enforce loyalty through fear.
This is authoritarianism in the making, mirroring tactics seen in Russia, where the FSB is used to intimidate and control. Under Trump, the FBI will become a tool of the regime, much like the FSB in Russia, used to keep opponents in check, silence Republicans who don’t fall in line, and consolidate power through fear.
Trump’s Dangerous Rhetoric: “Enemies From Within”
This ties directly into Trump’s outrageous rhetoric. Throughout his campaign, Trump has repeatedly stated:
“We have the outside enemy, and then we have the enemy from within, and the enemy from within, in my opinion, is more dangerous than China, Russia, and all these countries.”
Trump’s labeling of political opponents as “enemies from within” and threats to use the military against them are straight out of an authoritarian playbook. For almost a decade, we’ve seen him normalize the demonization of dissent—and it’s horrifying.
This mirrors strategies used in Russia, both during the Soviet era and under Putin. Opposition leaders, activists, and journalists are regularly branded as traitors or foreign agents. Demonizing opponents as existential threats creates a climate where silencing them becomes justifiable.
Trump’s remarks about rivals follow this same pattern:
“These are bad people. We have a lot of bad people. But when you look at ‘Shifty Schiff’ and some of the others, yeah, they are, to me, the enemy from within.”
This isn’t hyperbole—it echoes Soviet-era tactics, where dissent was considered treason. Critics were silenced through character assassination, imprisonment, or worse.
This is how democracies unravel: through the steady erosion of norms and the normalization of authoritarian rhetoric.
Weaponizing the FBI: A Page from the Authoritarian Playbook
Trump’s pick of Patel isn’t just troubling—it’s strategic. Patel’s appointment to lead the FBI would cement control over one of the nation’s most critical institutions. It’s a move we’ve seen in authoritarian regimes worldwide, where law enforcement becomes a tool to silence opposition and consolidate power.
In Russia, for example, Putin uses the FSB—the successor to the KGB—to control not just dissenters but those within his own ranks. Governors, oligarchs, and political allies live in fear of surveillance, fabricated charges, or worse if they step out of line. This kind of weaponization of law enforcement ensures total loyalty through fear and intimidation.
Trump’s rhetoric makes it clear he envisions a similar role for the FBI. Political opponents could be targeted, dissenting Republicans silenced, and whistleblowers punished. As Patel himself said, “We’re going to come after you.”
Patel’s appointment would be a seismic shift toward a Russia-style system, where law enforcement is used as a tool of political control, not justice. Here’s what we could see:
Politicized Arrests: Opposition leaders, journalists, and activists could face fabricated charges designed to silence them. Critics of the regime would be targeted not for committing crimes, but for daring to speak out.
Expanding Surveillance: The FBI could be used to monitor critics, activists, and private citizens, creating a climate of fear where no one feels safe questioning the regime. Surveillance wouldn’t just be for national security—it would be for political control.
Militarized Crackdowns: Protests might be met with overwhelming force, and dissenters labeled as “domestic terrorists” to justify extreme measures. Trump would weaponize the FBI to treat ordinary Americans as enemies, intimidating those who stand up for their rights.
Legalizing Repression: New laws could redefine “criminal behavior” to include broad categories of dissent—attending protests, posting criticism online, or even questioning Trump’s actions. The law would no longer protect citizens; it would be twisted into a tool for silencing them.
And just as Putin uses the FSB to control his political allies, Trump will use the FBI to spy on Republicans to keep them in line. Anyone within the party who dares to oppose him would risk becoming a target. This is the authoritarian future Trump and his sycophants are building.
A Dangerous Threat to National Security
But there’s an even darker side to Patel’s potential control of the FBI. If Patel were to take charge, there is a real possibility he could sell out informants to Russia and other regimes. Imagine him sharing sensitive intelligence about critical FBI investigations involving U.S. allies around the world. These are the kinds of dangerous compromises that could endanger national security, jeopardize the lives of those who work with the U.S. intelligence community, and strengthen adversaries like Russia and China.
Patel’s history raises serious concerns about his willingness to exploit foreign disinformation for political gain. His involvement in Russian intelligence operations during the 2020 election, aimed at targeting Joe Biden, is deeply troubling.
As head of the FBI, Patel would have access to highly sensitive intelligence on counterterrorism, espionage, and ongoing investigations with foreign allies. Given his track record, there's a real risk that he could misuse or leak this information, undermining U.S. trust and cooperation with its allies. His past actions suggest he would have no qualms about using his power for political retribution or even sharing intelligence with foreign adversaries.
A Call to Action
Call your senators and demand they reject his nomination. Patel is a direct threat to national security—his track record and statements prove he would weaponize the FBI, jeopardizing both American institutions and alliances with foreign partners. We cannot allow him to gain control over one of the nation’s most important agencies.
Share your thoughts and ideas on how we can stop this dangerous nomination in the comments.
In hhis "memoir", Kash wanted to become a lawyer in a "white shoe law firm", but ended up as a defense attorney; then a prosecutor in FL. He seems to have a "bone to pick" with his time as a FL defense lawyer blaming US for corruption and lying. Is this the root of Patel's deep state conspiracy theories? Or is he deeply disturbingly a member of the "cult". Or is it simply, expedience and rationalization: everyone's corrupt, why not just go with it?
O cheeses..all I can say is
Here's to the Folly
of Endeavor
In the face
of mortality