In a recent interview, Kash Patel, an Indian-American lawyer and close confidant of President-elect Donald Trump, outlined Trump’s top priorities as he prepares to reenter office. Speaking with Fox News, Patel, who has previously served as a senior advisor on national security, highlighted Trump’s focus on bolstering border security, countering terrorism, retrieving hostages, and ending long-standing military conflicts.
“He is the only president in modern history not to start a new one,” Patel noted, emphasizing Trump’s approach to de-escalation in global conflicts.
Trump’s initial steps after his electoral victory have set the tone for his administration’s objectives, according to Patel. In a bid to foster international stability, Trump has already reached out to leaders worldwide, including a call with Ukraine’s President, Vladimir Zelensky.
During the conversation, Trump reportedly discussed potential strategies for winding down the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, signaling his intent to end U.S. involvement in “forever wars.”
Patel detailed his vision for intelligence and national security under Trump’s renewed leadership, underscoring the need for a return to what he described as traditional security priorities. “You have to do what President Trump already did,” Patel asserted.
“Prioritise the collection of intelligence against our adversaries to make sure that we defeat the threats, which is the Iranian mullahs and the number one state sponsor of terror.” Patel emphasized the necessity of closely monitoring adversaries, such as Iran, China, and Russia, especially in the context of their potential cyber threats.
However, he expressed concern that current intelligence efforts are hindered by focuses like climate change and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
According to Patel, Trump plans to “make it clear” that his administration’s primary objectives are securing borders, combating terrorism, bringing hostages back home, and disengaging from perpetual military conflicts.
Patel indicated that Trump would adopt a “maximum pressure” policy on Iran once sworn in on January 20, 2025. He pointed to economic sanctions as a successful strategy during Trump’s first term, describing them as critical tools in limiting Iran’s ability to fund its military and regional influence. “I’ll just tell you what worked,” Patel explained.
“These full-on sanctions programs against the Iranian economy to suffocate the mullahs from making money.” He added that Trump would likely steer clear of financial concessions, noting, “I don’t think the president’s going to fork over another seven billion dollars like Harris did to them so they can start another world war.”
The Iranian nuclear program is also expected to be a focal point, with Trump likely to seek a broad coalition to prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities. Patel stressed that unilateral efforts would be inadequate, underscoring the need for international collaboration.
“He’s also going to talk to adversaries about trade with Iran and have a global coalition because we can’t do it alone to take on Iran,” Patel said. In his view, the immediate 75-day period before Trump’s inauguration is critical, as Iran may seek to accelerate its nuclear activities, anticipating that Trump’s administration will soon reinstate strict countermeasures. “I think you’re going to see that playbook again,” he added.
Reflecting on Trump’s track record in foreign affairs, Patel highlighted the president’s approach to diplomacy as robust yet measured. He emphasized that Trump’s global influence was achieved without provoking large-scale conflict, pointing to the peaceful outcomes of his policies as evidence.
“He’s not the war hawk that these people made him out to be. Proof is in the pudding. He had world peace,” Patel said confidently, adding that he believes Trump will once again establish peace through strength.
Patel also observed that many individuals are eager to serve under Trump, drawn by his influence and leadership style. He attributes this to Trump’s proven impact on global politics and his ability to project strength without resorting to war.
“People are lining up to serve this president as their commander-in-chief because they saw the power and wasp of him on the global stage,” he remarked.
As Trump’s inauguration approaches, the outlined priorities signal a continuation of his former policies, with an intensified focus on domestic security and countering threats abroad.
From Patel’s perspective, Trump’s leadership style and firm stance on national security set the foundation for what he anticipates will be a period of peace and stability on the global stage.
