Kash Patel vows to end Biden-era ‘targeting’ of Christians: ‘Sacred trust’
Kash Patel, President Trump’s nominee for FBI director, has pledged to end the “targeting” of Americans by the government, specifically in cases where citizens were singled out for their religious beliefs. During his confirmation hearing, Patel was grilled by Sen. Josh Hawley about the FBI’s actions, particularly in attempting to recruit spies or informants into religious institutions, such as Catholic parishes.
Hawley questioned Patel about a memo that listed Catholic churches and parishes as potentially suspect, directing the recruitment of informants into these places of worship. Patel acknowledged his familiarity with the memo and committed to withdrawing it if confirmed. Additionally, Hawley pressed Patel to conduct an investigation into the origins of the memo and hold those responsible accountable for violating Americans’ First Amendment rights.
In response, Patel assured Hawley that he would utilize the investigative powers of the FBI to provide information to Congress and discipline individuals who violated the trust placed in them at the bureau. Hawley emphasized the importance of upholding the sacred trust of the FBI and expressed his shock at the corruption within the agency, particularly in targeting people of faith and then lying about it.
The exchange between Patel and Hawley comes amidst President Trump’s announcement of pardons for pro-life activists convicted under the FACE Act during the Biden administration. The FACE Act has been criticized for being weaponized against pro-life groups and Christians, leading Sen. Mike Lee to introduce legislation to dismantle it.
As Patel prepares to take on the role of FBI director, his commitment to ending government targeting of Americans based on their religious beliefs will be crucial in restoring trust in the agency. The investigation into the memo targeting Catholic parishes and the accountability of those involved will be a step towards cleaning up the FBI and upholding Americans’ First Amendment rights.
