Former FBI and CIA Director William H. Webster has urged the Senate to block the nominations of Kash Patel as FBI director and Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, raising concerns about their qualifications and impartiality.

Webster emphasized the importance of nonpartisan leadership in safeguarding law enforcement and intelligence agencies' integrity and questioned whether President-elect Donald Trump's picks met those criteria, as Fox News reports.

Webster's Perspective on Leadership

William H. Webster holds a rare distinction in U.S. history as the only person to have led both the FBI and CIA. His career includes appointments under multiple presidents, beginning with his role as FBI director under President Jimmy Carter in 1978 and later as CIA director under President George H.W. Bush in 1988.

Leveraging his extensive experience, Webster issued a strongly worded letter urging senators to consider the ramifications of confirming Patel and Gabbard for their respective roles. His concerns focused on ensuring impartiality and the necessity of expertise in these critical positions.

The letter comes as the Senate prepares to evaluate nominees for high-stakes roles in Trump's new administration. Patel and Gabbard are among the more polarizing figures proposed for key positions.

Concerns About Kash Patel's Impartiality

Webster expressed reservations about Kash Patel, citing his close alignment with President Trump.

As a former congressional investigator, Patel played a prominent role in uncovering surveillance missteps during the Trump-Russia probe, a record Webster described as politically charged.

"His record of executing the president’s directives suggests loyalty to individuals rather than the rule of law," Webster wrote. He emphasized the FBI's responsibility to act as an impartial arbiter of justice, free from political bias.

Patel has also been vocal in criticizing the FBI and Justice Department, accusing them of political partisanship. Webster argued that this track record raised questions about Patel’s ability to lead the FBI without bias.

Concerns About Gabbard's Experience

Regarding Gabbard, Webster’s objections centered on her lack of intelligence experience. He stressed that managing the nation's intelligence community demands unparalleled expertise to address global threats effectively.

Webster pointed to Gabbard’s controversial 2017 meeting with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as an example of her judgment being questioned. Initially reluctant to label Assad a war criminal, Gabbard’s actions have drawn scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle.

"Without trust from allies, our ability to safeguard secrets and collaborate internationally is severely diminished," Webster added, reinforcing his call for leadership grounded in extensive experience.

Trump Transition Team Defends Nominations

The Trump transition team defended both nominees, emphasizing their credentials and dedication to the country. spokesman Alex Pfeiffer described Patel as loyal to the Constitution, highlighting his roles under both the Obama and Trump administrations.

Similarly, Alexa Henning defended Gabbard, pointing to her 20 years of military service and experience handling intelligence at high levels during wartime. Henning also noted that Webster had endorsed Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, suggesting his criticism of the nominees might be politically motivated.

Despite these defenses, the nominations have sparked significant debate. Webster’s critique underscores the challenges of navigating partisanship in an increasingly polarized political climate.

High Stakes for National Security Leadership

Webster framed his opposition as a matter of national security. In his letter, he implored senators to prioritize the qualifications and impartiality of candidates over political loyalty.

"I urge you to weigh the critical importance of nonpartisan leadership and experience," he wrote, stressing that the safety of Americans depended on sound decision-making in these appointments.

As the Senate deliberates, the nominations of Patel and Gabbard will remain a focal point in discussions about the future of U.S. intelligence and law enforcement leadership.