US President Donald Trump is reportedly thinking about removing FBI Director Kash Patel in the coming months. According to MS Now, Trump is unhappy with Patel’s leadership and the negative attention surrounding him.

Patel has faced criticism for how he used FBI resources. Reports claim he used a government jet for personal reasons and assigned a security detail to his girlfriend. His conflicts with other Trump loyalists have also raised concerns inside the administration.

Andrew Bailey Considered as Successor

Trump and his senior aides have discussed replacing Patel with Andrew Bailey, a senior FBI official. However, the report says Trump has not made a final decision. His choice may change in the coming weeks based on how he assesses the situation.

White House Rejects the Claims

The White House responded quickly. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson called the report “completely made up.” She said, “FBI Director Patel is a critical member of the President’s team and he is working tirelessly to restore integrity to the FBI.”

Trump also praised Patel publicly during the annual Thanksgiving turkey pardoning ceremony. When the crowd applauded Patel, Trump joked, “See, you’ve got a following, Kash.” After the report came out, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the rumours on social media and said the President had even taken a photo with Patel to show his support.

Internal Concerns Continue

Despite the public defence, Patel is reportedly facing pressure from within the administration. US Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are said to be frustrated with Patel’s early social media posts, which they believe risked ongoing investigations.

Questions have also been raised about Patel’s use of taxpayer-funded resources. MS Now first reported that he used a government jet for personal travel and assigned an elite SWAT team to protect his girlfriend.

Bailey’s Rise Inside the Bureau

In September, Trump appointed Andrew Bailey as a co-deputy director at the FBI. Many insiders saw the move as an attempt to bring more experience to the bureau’s leadership.

Bailey, the former attorney general of Missouri, is viewed as dependable and capable. He could become acting FBI director as early as December 15 if Patel is removed. Under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Bailey could serve in that role for up to 210 days without Senate confirmation.