Kash Patel, President Trump’s pick to head the FBI, has a favorite phrase: “There are no coincidences.” This mantra, often repeated in podcasts and interviews, reflects his belief that shadowy forces within the government—what he calls the “deep state” or “government gangsters”—are constantly working against the public’s interests. But his public embrace of conspiracy theories, including QAnon, has sparked concerns about how he’d lead one of the nation’s most critical law enforcement agencies.

Patel’s approach to QAnon, a far-right conspiracy movement, suggests he views its followers more as a group to win over rather than an ideology to reject. While he hasn’t fully endorsed QAnon’s wild claims, his comments hint at a willingness to engage with its supporters. This has left many current and former FBI agents uneasy, especially given the bureau’s mission to separate fact from fiction.

Experts who study conspiracy theories say Patel’s mindset is troubling. “Believing in hidden hands or puppet masters controlling events is a classic conspiratorial worldview,” said one researcher. “It’s concerning for someone in such a high-stakes role.”

Historically, conspiracy theories were about proving specific claims. But in today’s social media-driven world, they’re often used to rally supporters or build a sense of identity. Patel’s rhetoric seems to fit this trend, using conspiracy talk to connect with a base rather than to uncover truths.

As Patel prepares to potentially take the reins at the FBI, questions linger about how his views might shape the agency’s future. Will he prioritize facts over fringe theories? Or will his leadership blur the line between law enforcement and political messaging? Only time will tell.