President Donald Trump is standing behind Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Kash Patel, following criticism that Patel has received for his handling of the assassination of Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk. 

Fox News reports that Trump, particularly after the capture of Kirk's alleged assassin, has had nothing but praise for Patel.

We'll start off by looking at why exactly Patel has been criticized. Then, we'll look at Trump's response.

Rest in peace my friend, conservative titan Charlie Kirk. I am praying for Charlie and his family.

His passion for America and fearless leadership inspired millions and his impact will live on in this movement for generations. pic.twitter.com/gXbP8Dzpo0

— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) September 10, 2025

Conflicting news reports

On the one hand, there are reports attributing the capture of the assassin to Patel's efforts, and, on the other hand, there are reports claiming that Patel botched things up.

An example of the latter comes from The Hill. Per the outlet:

FBI Director Kash Patel is taking heat over his handling of the manhunt for Charlie Kirk’s assassin from key figures in the MAGA movement in which he initially became a star. Patel stumbled in the early hours after the shooting when he indicated on X that a suspected shooter was in custody, before it later turned out the killer was still at large. Even after a suspect, Tyler Robinson, was apprehended, Patel continued to get heat over his leadership and his candor.

Other reports, however, put Patel's handling of the case in a more positive light.

Fox, for example, writes:

Local FBI was on the scene immediately after the shooting, and Patel arrived at around 5:30 p.m. local time on Sept. 11. Patel was walked through the entire crime scene, and stood where Kirk was murdered. Patel walked each step the suspect took, according to sources familiar with the investigation. Patel also went to the rooftop where Robinson had allegedly perched and retraced his steps as he fled, including into the wooded area where the gun, a Mauser 30.06 rifle, was found. Patel personally directed agents as they processed evidence and prepared to send it to Quantico, ATF labs, or local labs.

Some are arguing that it is these actions taken by Patel that led the suspect's quick apprehension.

Trump praises Patel

President Trump has made it clear that he has nothing but praise for Patel.

"I am very proud of the FBI," the president said.

He added, "Kash—and everyone else—they have done a great job."

It would thus appear that reports like those from The Hill are not coming from the Trump administration.

Accordingly, it does not appear that Patel's job is not in any real jeopardy.