The FBI director nominee receives the backing of the National Police Association.

The National Police Association endorsed President-elect Donald Trump's FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, on Friday, praising his record of "transparency" and "accountability" that the group said makes him well-suited to lead the nation's law enforcement agency.

The NPA, a nonprofit representing over 240,000 U.S. police officers, commended Patel's impressive career as a former federal prosecutor and legal liaison to JSOC in a statement on Friday.

"The FBI requires effective leadership to build public trust and coordinate across all levels of policing, and Kash Patel's leadership skills, expertise in counterterrorism and intelligence, and ability to navigate complex legal and operational challenges make him the ideal candidate to restore faith in the FBI's mission and ensure it remains a steadfast ally to our nation's police forces."

The group stated that they were confident that the FBI would flourish under his leadership in fulfilling its crucial duty to safeguard and serve the American people.

As a deputy assistant and senior director for counterterrorism in the first Trump administration, Patel was a close ally of the president-elect.

Trump intends to dismiss FBI Director Wray and appoint Patel as his successor.

Trump announced his plans to nominate Patel, stating that the FBI will put an end to the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the border.

Appointing a new FBI director is a contentious decision. FBI directors are given 10-year terms, which theoretically enables them to operate without political interference from the sitting president.

Trump appointed Wray as FBI Director in his first term, replacing Comey, whom he fired. Trump commended Wray as a "tough defender of the law and exemplar of integrity" at the time of his appointment.

Criticism has been directed towards Patel's nomination, with some arguing that his earlier promises to prosecute journalists and officials at the Justice Department and FBI align with the "deep state" ideology.

The NPA did not share those fears, stating that Patel's appointment would be a "pivotal moment for law enforcement and public safety across the United States."

They said that his leadership would bring a renewed focus on collaboration, ethical standards, and the relentless pursuit of justice.