President Donald Trump has FBI Director Kash Patel’s back, defending the embattled bureau director in an interview with Fox News on Saturday in response to criticism over the investigation into the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“I am very proud of the FBI,” the president said in the brief interview. “Kash — and everyone else — they have done a great job.”
Republican Gov. Spencer Cox on Friday announced that law enforcement had apprehended 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, whom a judge ordered be held without bail. Charges against him are expected to be brought next week.
Trump’s comments come as Patel has faced criticism from former and current officials in the bureau — as well as some prominent MAGA allies online — for his handling of the closely watched investigation into Kirk’s shooter.
On Wednesday, Patel posted on social media that a “subject” was in law enforcement custody. Two hours later, he announced that the person had been “released after an interrogation by law enforcement.”
And some Republicans who initially were enthusiastic about the prospect of a Patel-led FBI have also criticized his handling of the files of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
But the White House is praising his work. “Director Patel and his team worked night and day to find this murderer and bring him to justice,” White House communications director Steven Cheung said in a Saturday statement to POLITICO.
“Anyone who doubts his resolve and dedication — especially when Charlie was such a close friend to him — simply is using this extremely sad moment in a disgusting act of political gamesmanship,” Cheung added. “The focus was on catching this killer, and he will face the full wrath of the justice system.”
This week, Patel will appear in front of Congress, where he is likely to face questions over the investigation.