United States President Donald Trump’s pick for the Federal Bureau of Investigation lead, Kash Patel, is facing fresh criticism over his financial connections to Chinese fast fashion brand Shien.
Patel faced criticism from the Senate for his lack of experience and supposed “enemies list”. He is now coming under fire as, according to financial disclosures submitted as part of his confirmation process, Patel was compensated anywhere from US$1-$5 million after consulting for Shein’s parent company Elite Depot.
Critics from the national security sphere have told the Wall Street Journal that they are concerned about Patel maintaining ties to the company
“This is not a U.S. company and it’s a conflict of interest financially,” Charles Kupperman, a former deputy national security advisor in Trump’s first term, said.
According to a spokesperson, Patel has no interest in participating in anything that has a “direct and predictable effect on financial interests” while serving as director of the FBI and has already agreed to sell shares in companies like Meta and Apple if confirmed.
“He looks forward to a swift confirmation that will allow him to start his endeavour to refocus the bureau on making our country safer for all Americans,” Patel’s spokesperson told the Journal.
The Senate is set to vote on Patel’s confirmation, and with the chamber under Republican control, he is likely to succeed.
If confirmed, Patel would serve a 10-year term after predecessor Christopher Wray exited the role early due to Trump seeing him as unloyal.
