The Senate has officially confirmed Kash Patel as FBI Director under President Donald Trump, despite widespread concerns over his controversial past statements and calls for political prosecutions.
Patel’s confirmation cleared the Senate on Thursday afternoon, following a 12-10 party-line vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee last week. A staunch Trump loyalist, Patel has been outspoken in his criticism of the FBI, the very agency he now leads—one currently facing internal upheaval.
Over the past month, the Justice Department has forced out several senior FBI officials and requested the names of thousands of agents involved in investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot. These actions have fueled concerns that Patel's appointment could reshape the agency’s priorities.
Ahead of the vote, Senate Democrats gathered outside FBI headquarters in a last-ditch effort to block Patel’s confirmation.
“If you vote for Kash Patel, this will be the confirmation vote you regret most in your lifetime,” said Sen. Chris Murphy (D-CT).
“We cannot trust him,” added Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA). “He lacks the character, the integrity, and the moral compass for this job. Even our Republican colleagues know it.”
Schiff further argued that Patel’s primary qualification was his willingness to execute Trump’s orders, stating:
“When others in the first Trump administration refused to cross legal, ethical, and moral lines, Kash Patel said, ‘Sign me up.’”
Critics have pointed to Patel’s history of undermining the FBI, as well as his commitment to targeting political opponents and members of the press.
“He is already actively working to weaken the very bureau he now leads,” warned Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE). “Patel has shown a disturbing eagerness to serve a vengeful White House.”
Despite these concerns, Patel’s confirmation cements his leadership over the FBI, signaling a significant shift in the agency’s direction under the Trump administration.
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