Duval Times

In a recent op-ed for The Daily Signal, Senator Rick Scott expressed his support for President Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel. As the confirmation process faces delays from Democrats, Senator Scott is advocating for Patel's appointment to restore trust in the FBI.

Senator Scott highlighted a growing distrust among Americans towards the FBI and federal government. He shared his observations: “I have noticed a shocking trend in my conversations with families in my state and across the nation. For the past year, at almost every event I attended and when running into folks at restaurants, outside my offices and around the state, I asked a simple question, ‘Do you trust that the FBI and the federal government are doing the right thing, acting in your best interests, and giving you useful information?’ Nearly every person said ‘NO!’”

He emphasized that this sentiment underscores why President Donald Trump was elected and why it is essential to confirm Kash Patel as FBI director swiftly. According to Scott, after four years under President Joe Biden’s administration, public perception of the FBI has deteriorated significantly.

Scott attributed these issues to leadership rather than individual agents within the FBI: “Now, the FBI is facing a public trust crisis. Let me be clear: This has absolutely nothing to do with the actual agents in the FBI. There are incredible, hardworking agents in the FBI who want to make our nation a better place. This is a leadership problem.”

He believes Patel possesses "the track record and experience" necessary for reforming and restoring transparency within the agency. After meeting with Patel post-nomination, Scott stated: "My takeaway was this: Patel is an agent for change and justice—he has my trust to lead the FBI, and will earn the trust of the American people."

Senator Scott remains committed to ensuring Patel's swift confirmation despite opposition efforts: "Together with Trump and future Attorney General Pam Bondi at the Justice Department, Patel will take the right steps to refocus the FBI as the nation’s top law enforcement agency and keep our country safe."

The full op-ed can be read in The Daily Signal.