Former FBI and CIA Chief William Webster Opposes Trump Nominees for Key Intelligence Roles

William Webster, the only person to lead both the FBI and the CIA, has called on the U.S. Senate to reject President-elect Donald Trump’s nominees for the FBI and Director of National Intelligence (DNI) roles, Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard. In a rare public statement, Webster, 100, criticized the nominees’ lack of qualifications and warned of the potential risks to national security.

In a letter to senators, Webster, appointed by Democratic President Jimmy Carter and Republican Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, underscored the need for nonpartisan leadership in these critical roles. “The safety of the American people—and your own families—depends on it,” he wrote, urging lawmakers to carefully scrutinize Patel and Gabbard during confirmation hearings.

Webster raised concerns about Patel’s impartiality, highlighting his close alignment with Trump. “While Mr. Patel’s intelligence and patriotism are commendable, his record of executing the president’s directives suggests a loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law—a dangerous precedent for an agency tasked with impartial enforcement of justice,” Webster wrote.

Patel has publicly vowed to pursue perceived political enemies if confirmed and has proposed converting the FBI’s Washington headquarters into a museum about the “deep state.” His controversial book, Government Gangsters, identifies 60 individuals critics label an “enemies list,” fueling fears about politically motivated actions under a Trump administration.

Webster also questioned Gabbard’s suitability to oversee 18 intelligence agencies as DNI, citing her limited experience in intelligence and controversial positions on foreign policy. “Effective management of our intelligence community requires unparalleled expertise to navigate the complexities of global threats and maintain the trust of allied nations,” Webster wrote.

Concerns about Gabbard stem from her past interactions with former Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad and her criticism of U.S. policies in Ukraine, which some have described as echoing pro-Kremlin narratives. These positions have alarmed intelligence professionals and raised suspicions about her alignment with U.S. interests.

Webster’s intervention comes as a bipartisan group of former national security officials also voice concerns about the nominees. Last month, Webster joined 100 Republican foreign policy experts in endorsing Trump’s Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the need for steady leadership in national security roles.

The Senate will now weigh Webster’s warnings as it begins confirmation hearings, which are expected to focus on the nominees’ qualifications, impartiality, and potential impact on the intelligence community.