The internet erupted this week with speculation that former GOP Rep. Mike Rogers was under consideration to lead the FBI in President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. However, the rumors were quickly quashed on Friday when Trump adviser Dan Scavino confirmed the idea was never on the table.
“Just spoke to President Trump regarding Mike Rogers going to the FBI. It’s not happening — In his own words, ‘I have never even given it a thought,’” Scavino posted. “Not happening.”
Just spoke to President Trump regarding Mike Rogers going to the FBI. It’s not happening — In his own words, “I have never even given it a thought.” Not happening.
— Dan Scavino Jr. (@DanScavino) November 22, 2024
The rumors originated amid mounting curiosity about who Trump might tap to reform the embattled agency. Rogers, a former FBI agent and ex-chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, recently lost a Michigan Senate race to Democrat Elissa Slotkin after a controversial late-night ballot dump. Despite Trump winning the state by a sizable margin, Rogers declined to contest the election results, further alienating himself from MAGA loyalists.
Rogers has also faced backlash for his past criticisms of Trump. In 2020, he condemned the then-president for challenging the integrity of the election, aligning himself with establishment Republicans. Compounding concerns are resurfaced comments showing Rogers as a staunch defender of warrantless surveillance and the intelligence community’s more controversial practices.
Critics quickly pointed to a history that makes Rogers an unpopular choice for FBI chief among Trump’s base. He once joked about assassinating whistleblower Edward Snowden, argued on NPR to suppress the Nunes Memo exposing FBI misconduct, and consistently supported the security state’s unchecked power. These positions, coupled with his muted response to his own Senate loss, have fueled skepticism about his potential nomination.
Adding to the uproar was Andrew McCabe, a former FBI deputy director and outspoken Trump critic, who endorsed Rogers as “a totally reasonable, logical selection for FBI director.” McCabe’s glowing praise raised immediate red flags among Trump allies, with many seeing it as evidence that Rogers represents more of the same deep-state dysfunction that Trump has vowed to eradicate.
The backlash reached a fever pitch until Scavino’s statement put the matter to rest. Trump’s base has made it clear they expect a leader who will overhaul the FBI and hold it accountable for past abuses, not someone aligned with the old guard.
With Rogers officially out of the picture, attention now shifts to who Trump will nominate to lead the FBI. Whoever it is, the choice will undoubtedly be closely scrutinized as part of Trump’s broader mission to restore trust in federal law enforcement.
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