Supporters of the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement are celebrating the appointment of Kash Patel as director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), marking a pivotal moment in the group’s influence over federal institutions.

Patel, a close ally and staunch supporter of Donald Trump and a former national security and intelligence official, was tapped by the new president for several key roles during his first term and has been openly critical of the FBI.

In an announcement on his Truth Social account on Saturday, Trump said: “I am proud to announce that Kashyap “Kash” Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.”

“Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending justice and protecting the American people,” adding that Patel “shows loyalty to the FBI, bravery and will bring back integrity.” “

MAGA-affiliated commentators and politicians hailed the move as a victory for transparency and accountability within the FBI, which has been criticized by the movement in recent years over its handling of high-profile investigations.

Newsweek contacted the FBI via email Sunday for comment.

Patel was a controversial figure who was accused by some of harboring partisan political agendas during his time in government. However, his supporters view him as a crusader against what they call the “deep state.”

Several prominent MAGA personalities celebrated the news online

Alongside a photo of her and Patel, Rep. Lauren Boebert posted: “The Deep State is officially on alert! Kash Patel is coming to clean up!”

Newsweek contacted Boebert via email Sunday for further comment.

“My friend Kash Patel will be the next FBI Director under President Trump!!,” posted Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), a staunch MAGA supporter, alongside a screenshot of Trump’s announcement. “It couldn’t be better!!! Everyone get your popcorn ready!!” she added.

Trump-endorsed U.S. Senate candidate Kari Lake also reposted Trump’s announcement, saying, “Great move by President @realDonaldTrump to name Kash Patel as head of the FBI. Kash will help drain the swamp.”

The nomination follows a series of proposed leadership changes in federal agencies under the new government, with a focus on loyalists filling key positions.

Patel, known for his role in uncovering alleged intelligence breaches during the Russia investigation, is considered a polarizing figure in Washington DC circles and his nomination is a controversial decision.

Critics of Patel’s nomination argue that his appointment signals further politicization of federal law enforcement.

As reported by NewsweekFormer FBI deputy director Andrew McCabe previously warned during a CNN appearance that “no part of the FBI mission” would be “safe” under the control of Patel, who has vowed to dismantle the “deep state” and Trump’s critics punish.

Democrats and some moderate Republicans are expected to closely scrutinize Patel’s record during the nomination and confirmation process. Political analysts see the nomination as both a strategic and provocative move.

Sophia Cai, senior national politics reporter at Axios, said: “Trump’s decision to appoint hardline loyalist Kash Patel as FBI director amounts to a massive middle finger to the intelligence community,” the news site reported Raw story.

The MAGA movement sees Patel as someone who can symbolize their grievances while keeping promises to reform federal institutions.

In his nomination announcement, Trump cited Patel’s “pivotal role” in “exposing the (Russia, Russia) Russia hoax” as one of the main reasons for his choice for the crucial role.

“He played a critical role in exposing the Russia, Russia, Russia hoax and stood as a champion of truth, accountability and the Constitution,” Trump said.

“Kash did an incredible job during my first term, serving as chief of staff at the Department of Defense, deputy director of national intelligence and senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council.”

“Kash has also handled over 60 jury trials. This FBI will end America’s growing crime epidemic, dismantle criminal migrant gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring loyalty, bravery and integrity back to the FBI.

The post has had almost 80,000 likes so far.

If confirmed, Patel would likely play an important role in shaping the FBI’s future direction, further tying the agency’s development to the MAGA movement’s agenda.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will soon hold its first hearing on Patel’s nomination, with the upcoming confirmation hearings a flashpoint in the ongoing debate over the role of partisanship in federal governance.