Indian-Americans likely to play key roles in Donald Trump 2.0 Administration

By R Anil Kumar

Bangalore, November 10. In the wake of Donald Trump’s US Presidential Election Victory, speculations are rife as to who will be picked for the top posts in his upcoming cabinet, including the potential roles that Indian-Americans could play.

Besides top Trump aides, several prominent persons of Indian descent are being discussed as likely candidates to head key departments, reflecting both their political alignment with Trump and their influence within the Republican Party.

Prominent Among those is Kashyap Patel popularly known as “Kash Patel”,  who is speculated to head the Central Investigation Agency (CIA), as its Director.

Kashyap Patel, a New York born attorney, with Indian roots, has held significant roles in counter-terrorism, including overseeing the prosecution of terror group affiliates.

Patel is  born to Gujarati parents who had previously immigrated from East Africa. His father is said to have left Uganda during the oppressive regime of Idi Amin in the 1970s and moved to United States.

Born in 1980, he grew up in the Garden City, New York. He pursued his Undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond and later returned to New York to earn his Law degree.

He also obtained a Certificate in International Law from the University College London Faculty of Laws, UK.

The 44-year old Patel has diverse career background, having served as former Chief of Staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller, prior to this, he was the Deputy Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counter-terrorism, at the National Security Council.

In addition, Patel had served as the National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

According to his US Department of Defense Profile, Patel oversaw the successful prosecution of criminals aligned with Al-Qaida, ISIS and other terror groups.

His loyalty to Donald Trump, and background in Defense make him a fitting choice for such a critical role.