It’s pretty clear why President Trump decided to dismiss FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he initially appointed as the nation’s top law enforcement officer. Soon after the January 6th attack on the Capitol, Wray labeled the event as “domestic terrorism” during a congressional hearing. He continued to spearhead the largest criminal investigation in U.S. history over the next four years, with an aim to hold all responsible parties—including Trump—to account.
Before that infamous day, Wray had consistently cautioned Congress about the growing threat of “domestic violent extremists” (or DVEs, as per bureau terminology), suggesting that it was on par with or perhaps even more pressing than international terrorism. In 2021, he explained how this menace was “spreading across the country,” and warned that it wasn’t disappearing any time soon.
Trump’s sweeping pardons for January 6th participants has only exacerbated this problem. As a result, we’re all facing a diminished sense of safety.
If the Republican-led Senate approves Trump’s pick to replace Wray—Kash Patel, who has been vocal in his criticism of the FBI and has defended January 6th rioters—Trump will find a friend in overlooking right-wing extremism. Patel’s confirmation hearing is slated for Thursday.
For weeks, Trump’s Republican supporters have contended that his national security nominations—Patel, Pete Hegseth (recently confirmed as Pentagon chief), and Tulsi Gabbard (nominated as director of national intelligence)—should have been expedited following the attack in New Orleans on New Year’s Day and a suicide bombing near a Trump hotel in Las Vegas.
But there’s an irony here: these incidents highlighting domestic extremism also demonstrate why these nominees are unsuitable for U.S. security roles. Not only do they lack the necessary experience, but they have also previously undermined the very institutions they would lead.
Patel has long opposed the FBI. Hegseth, facing allegations of sexual misconduct and poor leadership, has defended war criminals on Fox News and persuaded Trump to pardon them. Gabbard, set to lead 18 U.S. intelligence agencies, has disputed past intelligence about Russia’s Putin and Syria’s Assad, aligning her comments with theirs.
Yet, all three have the one trait Trump prioritizes: loyalty.
This particular attribute makes Patel a potential threat to national security. Known for targeting Trump’s opponents, he could carry this vendetta into the FBI, focusing not on genuine threats but rather on individuals like Former President Biden, previous administration officials, dropped-case prosecutors, and witnesses.
It’s important to recognize that Trump’s enemies are not America’s, and his and Patel’s intent on punishment could sidetrack the FBI from genuine threats, both domestic and international.
And now, Trump has added to the danger by releasing hundreds of January 6th extremists.
One recently pardoned individual, Jacob Chansley, also known as the QAnon Shaman, quickly declared his intentions online with, “GONNA BUY SOME [EXPLETIVE] GUNS!!!”
Fortunately, Daniel Ball, accused of assaulting officers on January 6th and using an explosive, remained detained due to a separate weapons charge, related to a previous felony conviction for domestic assault and resisting arrest. He’s not unique among the pardoned in having a criminal past.
The immediate threat may seem directed more at personal contacts—families and friends of the freed attackers—but it’s nonetheless real.
Take Jackson Reffitt, who reported his father, Guy Reffitt, following January 6th. His father had threatened his life if he or his sister cooperated with authorities. Now armed for protection, Jackson told MSNBC, “I can’t imagine being safe right now,” highlighting the widespread intimidation he faces.
Jackson mentioned how his dad, once a caring father, increasingly adopted extreme views under Trump’s influence, becoming radicalized even further in prison.
Then there’s Tasha Adams, who expressed concern over her ex-husband Stewart Rhodes, who was recently freed from an 18-year sentence for seditious conspiracy thanks to Trump. Both she and her son, Dakota, live in fear of him—Tasha having endured years of abuse, and she believes they’re still on his “kill list.”
Rhodes emerged from prison with renewed vigor, urging Patel to “clean house” at the FBI, seemingly emboldened by the recent turn of events.
In a twist, Trump—who often claims other nations send their worst criminals to America—has ironically unleashed his own set of problematic individuals back into society.
For further insights, follow @jackiekcalmes.
