What to Know
FBI Director Kash Patel poured praise on President Donald Trump during a roundtable discussion on public safety Monday afternoon. During the event in Memphis, Tennessee, Trump challenged Patel on Monday to “top” White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller’s remarks complimenting the president. Patel then lauded the president for his efforts to reduce crime across the U.S.
“I’m reminded that Americans exist to protect this country, day in and day out, and they’ve done it like we’ve done it here. But what we didn’t have was you. We didn’t have a commander-in-chief who backed the blue, who resourced the blue, who funded the military, who did whatever it takes to safeguard every single life,” Patel said.
He said Trump has “put on a show for the world” in Memphis.
“You have allowed us to go out there and capture gang bangers, rapists, murderers, drug dealers at record, historic levels,” he said.
“And for me, a first generation Indian American kid whose parents fled a genocide in East Africa, to become the ninth Director of the FBI. I’m living the wildest dream you could possibly imagine, sir, but it’s thanks to you,” Patel added.
Patel has faced widespread scrutiny during his tenure as FBI director, including over his response to the Charlie Kirk assassination, his response to the Brown University mass shooting and for partying with the USA men’s hockey team following their gold medal win against Canada.
After Trump told Patel to “top” Miller’s remarks, Patel said that would be “tough” to do.
“While we’re out there fighting for the dreams of our children, just know, Mr. President, how many millions of dreams like mine are going to be lived thanks to your brilliant leadership, Mr. President, thanks for delivering America the safest, safest, safest country on God’s green earth,” Patel concluded.
Trump seemed happy with Patel’s remarks, saying that Patel’s comments were “pretty good.” Social media users quickly criticized Patel, Miller and the other Trump officials for shamelessly praising the president during the event.
“This has serious North Korean vibes,” the Republicans Against Trump account wrote on X. Fox News contributor Jessica Tarlov wrote: “Not beating the cult allegations.”
“Whether in wartime or not, Trump always has time for a Cabinet glaze fest,“ Political analyst Ahmed Baba posted on X.
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