Former FBI and CIA Director speaks out against Patel and Gabbard nominations

Judge William Webster is only person to serve in both intel roles

In opposition to Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard being nominated to serve as FBI Director and Director of National Intelligence, respectively, Judge William Webster sent the following letter to United States senators:

Dear Senator,

I had the honor of serving as Director of both the FBI and CIA, organizations vital to safeguarding our nation. Their effectiveness depends on operating with complete independence from political influence—a principle essential to maintaining public trust and national security.

History has shown us the dangers of compromising this independence. When leaders of these organizations become too closely aligned with political figures, public confidence erodes and our nation’s security is jeopardized. This underscores the necessity for these institutions to serve the American people, not the political agendas of the executive or legislative branches.

In my ten years at the FBI, I was contacted by the President only twice. On both occasions, the interactions underscored the importance of maintaining the FBI’s independence. President Carter once asked me to investigate a matter, to which I responded, “Mr. President, if the FBI has jurisdiction, we will act. If not, I hope you will understand that we cannot get involved.” President Carter replied, “Absolutely. I would not want the FBI to operate any other way.” Similarly, President Reagan’s request for assistance with the First Lady’s security during a visit to the UK involved collaboration, not interference, ensuring the integrity of the agency’s work.

I am deeply concerned about the potential nominations of Mr. Kash Patel to lead the FBI and the inclusion of Former Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard as DNI in intelligence roles. While Mr. Patel’s intelligence and patriotism are commendable, his close political alignment with President Trump raises serious concerns about impartiality and integrity. Statements such as “He’s my intel guy” and his record of executing the president’s directives suggest a loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law—a dangerous precedent for an agency tasked with impartial enforcement of justice.

Congresswoman Gabbard’s profound lack of intelligence experience and the daunting task of overseeing 18 disparate intelligence agencies further highlight the need for seasoned leadership. 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. As someone who transitioned from the FBI to the CIA, I can attest to the steep learning curve even for a seasoned professional. This is no time in world history for a novice in the field to learn this role.

The recent resignation of Christopher Wray is a tremendous loss. As a public servant who commanded respect across the political spectrum, his departure leaves a void in leadership and a critical moment for the future of the FBI. This underscores the urgency of appointing leaders who embody independence, integrity, and experience.

Every president deserves appointees they trust, but the selection process must prioritize competence and independence to uphold the rule of law. As you consider these and future nominations, 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. Trust in our intelligence and law enforcement agencies is also crucial for our international partners. Without that trust, we cannot be effective in guarding sensitive secrets or collaborating to address shared threats.

Thank you for your careful consideration of these pivotal appointments.

Sincerely,

William Webster

Former Director of the CIA and FBI