Daijiworld Media Network- Washington
Washington, Feb 21: In a historic appointment, Kash Patel has been confirmed as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), becoming the first Indian-American and the first Asian-American to lead the premier investigative agency of the United States.
The Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Patel’s nomination in a 51-49 vote, with two Republican Senators—Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski—joining all Democratic Senators in opposing his appointment.
Patel will succeed ChristopherWray, who resigned following Donald Trump’s re-election as President, leaving two years of his 10-year term incomplete.
Patel’s confirmation was one of the most contentious nominations of Trump’s second term. His past criticism of the FBI and politically charged statements raised concerns among both Democrats and some Republicans.
Republican Senator Susan Collins justified her opposition, stating:
"Patel has made numerous politically charged statements discrediting the FBI, the very institution he has been nominated to lead. This raises serious doubts about his ability to uphold the agency's law enforcement mission in an impartial manner."
Democrats, who fiercely opposed his nomination, questioned Patel on his stance on the January 6 Capitol riots and his previous criticism of the FBI.
Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse issued a strong warning before the vote:
"Kash Patel will cause chaos in this institution, and Republicans who vote for him will regret their decision."
A former public defender, Patel has witnessed a rapid rise in Washington’s power circles in recent years. He previously served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defence and as Deputy Director of National Intelligence during Trump’s first term.
His nomination was part of a broader set of controversial appointments by Trump’s administration, including Tulsi Gabbard as director of National Intelligence and Robert F Kennedy Jr as secretary of health and human services.
Despite the opposition, Patel’s confirmation marks a historic moment as he takes charge of one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies in the world.