Former FBI and CIA director William Webster has spoken out against President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI. While Webster warns that Patel’s loyalty to Trump could undermine the agency’s independence, some see his criticism as indicative of the resistance reformers face from entrenched intelligence figures.
William Webster Crawls Out of Retirement to Save the Swamp
Who does William Webster think he is? This washed-up relic of the D.C. swamp—who hasn’t been relevant since fax machines were cutting-edge—is now telling senators to reject Kash Patel as FBI Director and Tulsi Gabbard as… pic.twitter.com/gazvDlDfYF
— Joe Portman (@RealJoePortman) December 28, 2024
One of the Deep Staters who seems very worried that the FBI will be forced onto the straight and narrow is William Webster, one of the deepest of the Deep Staters. #kashpatelfbidirector https://t.co/2nPndnC35c
— St. John (pronounced Sinjun) O’Callaghan (@st_sinjun) December 27, 2024
Webster’s storied career, which includes appointments under Presidents Jimmy Carter and George H.W. Bush, has earned him respect in Washington. However, critics argue that his alignment with the so-called “Deep State” makes him inherently opposed to outsiders like Patel, who has vowed to challenge institutional norms.
William Webster is 100 years old. God bless him, but the agencies he was part of are no longer what they were. They need significant change. Patel and Gabbard can lead such an effort. They need to be approved.
— AnytaAynn (@SconnieinTexas) December 29, 2024
Patel’s supporters point to his vocal critiques of the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations, particularly those targeting Trump, as evidence of his commitment to reform. Patel has pledged to remove “deep state” actors from the agency and restore its credibility.
Former FBI and CIA chief urges senators to sink Patel, Gabbard https://t.co/xDnj4fe86X #FoxNews
Tulsi and Kash's backgrounds and experience far exceed what William Webster had when he was selected to run the FBI & CIA. Given his comments, he never should have been picked for…— 31Kelleher (@31Kelleher) December 29, 2024
William Webster: The Swamp's Very Own Crypt Keeper Has Thoughts
William Webster, 100 years old and apparently still clinging to swamp talking points, just crawled out of retirement (or the crypt?) to attack Trump’s picks for Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard. The man’s been around so… pic.twitter.com/3XmZPuQcVi
— Joe Portman (@RealJoePortman) December 29, 2024
Webster’s tenure, contrasted with the FBI’s recent history under Christopher Wray and Andrew McCabe, highlights the agency’s struggles with allegations of politicization. Patel’s backers argue that Webster’s opposition only underscores the need for an outsider to address these issues.
Better to reject William Webster.
— Den Gormley (@GormleyDen) December 30, 2024
Webster’s criticism, while framed as concern for the FBI’s integrity, is viewed by some as resistance to change. Patel’s nomination represents a direct challenge to the entrenched culture within the agency.
Patel’s confirmation hearings are expected to ignite debate over the future direction of the FBI and the role of outsider leadership in restoring public trust.
