Kash Patel's “Government Gangsters”: The 60-Person Enemies List and Emerging Mortgage Fraud Ties

A Fault Line Investigation — Published by The Beacon Press
Published: November 16, 2025
https://thebeaconpress.org/kash-patels-government-gangsters-the-60-person-enemies-list-and-emerging

Executive Breath

Kash Patel, Trump's 2025 FBI Director, has spotlighted a list of 60 “government gangsters” from his 2023 book Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy, framing them as “deep state” actors undermining democracy. The appendix names current and former officials across parties, including former FBI Directors James Comey and Christopher Wray, ex-Attorney General Bill Barr, and National Security Adviser John Bolton. Patel's rhetoric – “these people need to go to prison” (Bannon interview, 2023) – has fueled investigations, with at least five on the list (Comey, Brennan, Taylor, Vindman, Bolton) facing probes since Patel's February confirmation.

The truth under scrutiny: Amid this scrutiny, 2025 mortgage fraud referrals targeting Democrats like Rep. Eric Swalwell and AG Letitia James (four cases total) raise questions of scope – from “deep state” purges to potential financial leverage, with Patel's book serving as a “roadmap” for Trump allies (Wall Street Journal, January 30, 2025).

What Is the “Deep State”?

The “deep state” refers to a supposed hidden network of unelected government officials, military personnel, and private entities (like intelligence agencies and defense contractors) that secretly influence or control national policy, often bypassing elected leaders like the president. It's not a formal organization but a theory of shadowy power operating behind the scenes to maintain the status quo or advance hidden agendas. The term originated in Turkey in the 1990s to describe military and bureaucratic coalitions resisting elected governments, and in the U.S., it gained traction during the Trump era as a way to explain resistance to his policies, such as leaks from intelligence officials or investigations into his campaign (Merriam-Webster, 2025; Wikipedia, November 15, 2025). Critics call it a conspiracy theory used to deflect blame for policy failures, while supporters see it as a real threat to democracy from entrenched elites (EBSCO Research Starters, 2025).

The “Government Gangsters” List: Who and Why

Patel's appendix labels 60 individuals as “Executive Branch Deep State” members, accusing them of “weaponizing” government against Trump (e.g., Russia probe, January 6). The list spans parties and roles, with Patel vowing to “find the conspirators” (Bannon podcast, 2023). Key examples:
– FBI/Intelligence: Comey, Wray, Brennan, Clapper, Strzok, Page (Russia “hoax”).
– DOJ/Trump Admin: Barr, Rosenstein, Garland, Haspel, Esper, Hill, Sullivan.
– Others: Clinton, Bolton, Esper, Hutchinson, Meadows (January 6 “betrayal”).

Patel clarified during January 30 confirmation hearings: “The list is documentation of weaponization, not a hit list” (New York Times, January 30, 2025), but critics (Durbin, Blumenthal) call it “Stasi-like” (Senate Judiciary letter, January 16, 2025). Since confirmation, five have faced investigations (Comey indictment, Brennan hacking probe, Taylor/Bolton raids, Vindman scrutiny, MSNBC September 26, 2025).

For the full list (not from Patel's book), see Newsweek's 2024 compilation of 80 names from the appendix, updated with 2025 developments: Kash Patel's “government gangsters” who could be targeted: full list – Newsweek, December 2, 2024 (80 names, including Biden, Harris, and 50+ officials).

Mortgage Fraud Connections: The Emerging Scope

Patel's FBI has launched four mortgage fraud referrals in 2025, targeting Democrats on or linked to his list, raising “retribution” concerns (CNN, November 13, 2025). Key cases:
– Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA): FHFA Director Bill Pulte referred Swalwell for claiming multiple primary addresses on mortgages (power of attorney “mistake,” Swalwell defense, November 13, 2025). Patel confronted Swalwell in September hearing, calling his career “bull****” (The Hill, November 13, 2025).
– AG Letitia James (NY): Pulte referred James for similar address claims; DOJ standstill due to insufficient evidence (NBC, November 13, 2025).
– Fed Board Lisa Cook: Probe for “mortgage fraud” (Wall Street Journal, November 12, 2025).
– Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA): Under DOJ investigation for alleged mortgage irregularities (Politico, November 13, 2025).

The truth under scrutiny: These referrals (FHFA-led, FBI-executed) coincide with Patel's list, with Pulte (Trump ally) driving them amid shutdown chaos (Wall Street Journal, November 12, 2025). No direct Patel link, but critics (Schumer) call it “retaliation” (The Guardian, August 23, 2025).

Mortgage Fraud: The Practice and Historical Prevalence Among Politicians

Claiming multiple homes as “primary residences” – known as occupancy fraud – allows borrowers to secure lower interest rates (0.25–0.5% reduction, ~$50K lifetime savings on $400K loan) and tax exemptions (homestead, $7K–$20K/year). Lenders favor primary residences (lower default risk, 1.5% vs. 2.5%, Federal Reserve 2025). It's illegal if intentional (18 U.S.C. § 1001 false statements, up to 5 years prison), but prosecutions are rare (412 cases 2017–2024, <0.1% of loans; 22K potential from 580K loans 2005–2017). Politicians' cases often involve D.C. homes (tax/loan benefits).

Historical examples (2005–2025, 20+ cases):
– Ken Paxton (TX AG, R): Claimed 3 Texas homes as primary (2005–2025 mortgages; Associated Press review). No charges; defended as “family needs.”
– Adam Schiff (D-CA): 2 homes (Maryland D.C. condo + CA, 2003–2023; ProPublica). No charges; lawyer: “Lenders aware.”
– Letitia James (NY AG, D): 2 homes (NY + VA, 2023; CNN). Charged (2025, Pulte referral); defense: “Insignificant errors.”
– Lisa Cook (Fed Gov, D): 2 homes (MI + GA, 2021; Wall Street Journal). Fired (2025, Pulte referral); lawsuit: “Pretextual.”
– Sean Duffy (Trump Cabinet, R): 2 homes (NJ + D.C., 2025; ProPublica). No probe.
– Lee Zeldin (EPA Admin, R): 2 homes (Long Island + D.C., 2025; ProPublica). No probe.
– Scott Bessent (Treasury Sec, R): 2 homes (Bedford Hills + Provincetown, 2025; Bloomberg). No probe.
– Lori Chavez-DeRemer (Labor Sec, R): 2 homes (AZ country club + D.C., 2025; ProPublica). No probe.

Historical prevalence: ~20% politicians (2005–2025, ProPublica/Wall Street Journal reviews); prosecutions rare (412 federal 2017–2024, <0.1% loans). No deep state link (preliminary, no indictments).

Additional Corruption Allegations Tied to the List

Beyond mortgage fraud, several on Patel's list face 2025 corruption probes, often tied to “deep state” narratives (Russia hoax, January 6), but evidence is preliminary and partisan-leaning (Politico, November 13, 2025). Key examples:
– James Comey (former FBI Director): Indicted for “perjury” in Russia probe testimony (DOJ, September 2025). Allegation: Misled on Steele dossier.
– John Brennan (former CIA Director): Hacking probe for “leaking classified info” on Trump (DOJ, August 2025). Allegation: Russia collusion role.
– Miles Taylor (former DHS official): Raided for “document destruction” in anonymous op-ed case (DOJ, July 2025). Allegation: Leaks.
– Alexander Vindman (former NSC): Scrutiny for “Ukraine call” testimony (DOJ, October 2025). Allegation: Impeachment bias.
– John Bolton (former NSA): Raid for “classified docs” on book (DOJ, August 2025). Allegation: Unauthorized disclosure.

The truth under scrutiny: These probes (5+ since February 2025) target list members, but no convictions (DOJ standstill). Broader U.S. politicians (beyond Patel list) face similar allegations (e.g., 20% prevalence, ProPublica 2025); e.g., Ken Paxton (R, 3 homes, no charges); Sean Duffy (R, 2 homes, no probe). No deep state nexus (preliminary).

Sources (Full Attribution — Pillar 3: Truth Only)

  1. Kash Patel's “government gangsters” who could be targeted: full list – Newsweek, December 2, 2024
  2. Kash Patel’s Enemies List Is Expected to Be a Flashpoint – The New York Times, January 30, 2025
  3. Kash Patel's List of ‘Government Gangsters’ To Be Targeted Includes a Fair Number Of LaRouche-Haters – EIR, January 10, 2025
  4. People on Kash Patel’s so-called ‘enemies list’ taking drastic steps for protection before his potential FBI takeover – CNN, January 30, 2025
  5. MAGA diehard Kash Patel's list of 'Government Gangsters' who could be targeted under Trump 2.0 govt – Hindustan Times, December 3, 2024
  6. Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy – Amazon, 2023
  7. Kash Patel’s Enemies List Is Expected to Be a Flashpoint – The New York Times, January 30, 2025
  8. The Who’s Who on Kash Patel’s Crazy Enemies List – Yahoo, December 3, 2024
  9. Kash Patel's 'Government Gangsters' Documentary Teases FBI Priorities – Rolling Stone, January 27, 2025
  10. Trump’s pick to lead FBI identified ‘Government Gangsters’ – Roll Call, December 9, 2024
  11. [John Bolton raid shows weaponization of FBI against Patel’s ‘gangsters’ list](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/aug/22/john-bolton-kash-patel-book

Action Demand (Pillar 7)

File FOIA for Epstein grand jury materials — demand redacted release.
→ FOIA.gov
→ Reference: Section 712, CR November 13, 2025

Support The Beacon's Breath

Light on the fracture. No paywall. No ads. Truth only.
The Beacon Press | thebeaconpress.org