A century-old veteran of U.S. intelligence leadership challenges President-elect Trump's nominations for key national security positions.
According to Fox News, William H. Webster, who holds the distinction of being the only person to have led both the FBI and CIA, has written to senators urging them to reject the nominations of Kash Patel for FBI director and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence.
Webster, now 100 years old, expressed serious concerns about both nominees' qualifications and potential impacts on national security. His letter to senators specifically highlighted issues regarding Patel's loyalty to Trump over institutional principles and Gabbard's limited intelligence experience.
Webster's critique of Patel centered on concerns about personal loyalties potentially overshadowing institutional responsibilities. The former FBI and CIA director emphasized the dangerous precedent that could be set if leadership prioritized individual allegiance over legal principles. His assessment draws from Patel's previous record of executing presidential directives.
The Trump transition team promptly defended Patel's nomination, with spokesman Alex Pfeiffer emphasizing Patel's constitutional loyalty. They highlighted his service under both Democratic and Republican administrations, specifically noting his work during the Obama and Trump presidencies.
Transition official Alexa Henning countered Webster's criticism by pointing out his previous support for President Biden and Vice President Harris against Trump, suggesting potential political motivations behind his opposition.
Patel's role as chief investigator in the Trump-Russia collusion probe has been both praised and criticized. His investigation uncovered surveillance abuse that led to the appointment of two special counsels, who ultimately concluded there was no collusion and questioned the FBI's initial investigation premises.
Gabbard's nomination as DNI has sparked particular concern from Webster, who stated:
Effective management of our intelligence community requires unparalleled expertise to navigate the complexities of global threats and to maintain the trust of allied nations. Without that trust, our ability to safeguard sensitive secrets and collaborate internationally is severely diminished.
The former congresswoman's background includes military service spanning over two decades and congressional experience. However, her 2017 meeting with Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad and subsequent statements about chemical weapons attacks have drawn scrutiny from security experts.
Webster's credentials lend significant weight to his opposition. His tenure spans multiple administrations, having been appointed FBI director by President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and serving through Ronald Reagan's presidency. He later led the CIA under President George H.W. Bush from 1988 to 1991.
The transition team defended Gabbard's qualifications through spokesperson Alexa Henning, who emphasized her military service and intelligence consumption experience at high levels. They particularly noted her wartime experience and understanding of allied partnerships.
Webster concluded his appeal to senators with a stark warning about the stakes involved in their confirmation decisions:
I urge you to weigh the critical importance of nonpartisan leadership and experience. The safety of the American people — and your own families — depends on it.
William H. Webster, the former FBI and CIA director, has formally opposed President-elect Trump's nominations of Kash Patel for FBI director and Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence. His letter to senators emphasized concerns about Patel's personal loyalties and Gabbard's limited intelligence experience, warning that these appointments could compromise national security operations and international partnerships. As senators prepare to consider these nominations, Webster's unique perspective as the only person to have led the FBI and CIA adds significant weight to the confirmation debate.
