Trump Nixes Rogers for FBI Director - Privacy Wins?
Rogers' FISA and Patriot Act Support Dodged, Patel's Reform Eye?
As you may have heard, America has dodged another bullet. This morning, we learned that Trump has removed former U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers from consideration as the next FBI Director. He would have been a horrible choice.
Why?
I followed him during his tenure in the U.S. House, and he strongly supported the FISA Amendments Act. This act would have
increased the government’s scope of surveillance of Americans, which many view as a gross overreach and a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
In addition, Rogers is a strong supporter of the Patriot Act, which has been used many times against Americans not involved in terrorist and immigration activities. He has been a long supporter of roving wiretaps and reducing the need for warrants on Americans to obtain electronic surveillance. Rogers is also the personification of the ‘deep state,’ which is why it was confusing Trump was even considering him in the first place.
Meanwhile, speculation continues that Kash Patel is on the shortlist for Trump to nominate as the next FBI Director. Patel has strongly advocated for dismantling the FBI due to its corruption. At the very least, Patel would force accountability within the agency.
Patel's history of advocating for an 'America First' approach aligns with most Americans’ desire to focus government efforts more on national interests rather than global policing or surveillance.
