As Trump anticipates a potential return to the White House, strategist Kash Patel offers a plan to ensure Trump’s administration hits the ground running and confronts the "administrative state.” In a Wednesday WarRoom discussion with Steve Bannon, Patel outlined a comprehensive approach to securing Trump’s power quickly and effectively—an action plan aimed at purging what he calls "government gangsters” in Washington. Here’s a look at Patel’s blueprint for reshaping the federal landscape in Trump’s second term.
Building the Team: A Fast-Tracked Transition
Patel is clear: a smooth transition is non-negotiable. Reflecting on Trump’s previous term, he noted the delay and interference faced by Trump’s team due to bureaucratic pushback. Patel wants an expedited Senate confirmation process for Trump’s key players this time. His suggestion? Bundle Trump’s cabinet and other critical appointees into one massive approval package. Patel argues this is a fair expectation, noting, "Every presidential candidate gets that opportunity…Biden’s packages were moved through as a package.”
The plan is strategic. Patel believes sending a batch of appointments for rapid confirmation will prevent the slow-drip opposition that Trump faced last time. "We’re just asking the Senate to follow their own tradition,” he says. This streamlined entry could allow Trump to push his agenda without facing the traditional delays and obstacles.
"Personnel is Policy”: Sweeping Leadership Changes Across Key Agencies
For Patel, staffing is critical to reversing the influence of Washington insiders who, he claims, have created a system beyond public accountability. Patel’s approach? Overhaul leadership across federal agencies, starting with the Department of Justice, FBI, CIA, and Treasury.
"Personnel is how you take on any corrupt apparatus in Washington,” he told Bannon. Patel’s playbook, based on his recent book Government Gangsters, involves sweeping changes at the leadership level of every major agency. He envisions a mass turnover, with carefully selected allies filling top roles to ensure loyalty to Trump’s agenda. Patel wants replacements to happen immediately, sending a message that his administration has been serious about "cleaning house” since day one.
Dual Track Agenda: Reshaping Domestic and Foreign Policy
The proposed strategy isn’t just about dismantling Washington’s establishment; Patel has a dual-track agenda that addresses economic and geopolitical concerns. On the domestic front, he points to major financial issues like the debt ceiling and budget battles that he believes Trump will prioritize to stabilize the economy. "You’ve got the reversion of the tax cuts…a central piece of Trump’s growth plan,” Patel notes.
On the global stage, Patel says Trump would reevaluate America’s foreign engagements, focusing on "ending endless wars” and recalibrating trade policies. By taking on both domestic and foreign policy issues from day one, Patel thinks Trump can reclaim control quickly and prevent other nations from undermining U.S. interests.
Working with Congress: A Coordinated Effort for Oversight and Reform
Patel’s strategy hinges on a close partnership with Congress. He emphasizes the need for coordinated oversight between Trump’s administration and congressional Republicans, especially in exposing "corruption” within federal agencies. He argues that Congress must fully exercise its powers, conducting investigations, issuing subpoenas, and requiring federal agencies to deliver transparent reports.
Patel proposes establishing a "Truth and Transparency Office” to release critical documents to the public. He recalls the success of similar tactics during Trump’s first term, which, in his words, "educated the American public about corruption” in federal agencies. Patel insists that his vision isn’t about vengeance. Instead, he says it’s about "applying the Constitution uniformly.”
The Mandate: "The People’s Vote for Reform”
Throughout his conversation with Bannon, Patel stressed that these plans aren’t just Trump’s goals—they’re backed by what he calls an "overwhelming mandate” from the American public. According to Patel, Trump’s supporters voted for decisive action against government insiders, expecting rapid and visible change. He argues that this mandate is crucial and urges Trump’s team to move confidently forward, knowing the public’s support is behind them.
"We’re doing this for America,” Patel states. He envisions a White House that leads the charge, supported by a Congress ready to implement the reforms voters have called for. He concludes by noting, "The American people voted for DJT to put this plan in action.”
Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead
Patel’s roadmap is bold, addressing a Trump-led administration’s immediate and long-term needs. He calls it a "collective effort,” which requires unity, rapid action, and a willingness to break from D.C. norms. If Patel’s plan is implemented, a Trump return would bring a faster, more aggressive strategy aimed at taking control of the federal government. Only time will tell if the proposed roadmap will come to fruition, but Patel’s vision leaves little doubt about the direction Trump’s allies intend to take.
For more about Government Gangsters, read:
For more context about Kash Patel’s Wednesday comments:
