Kash Patel makes history as first ‘person of color’ to lead FBI, Dems yawn
Since Kash Patel became the first “person of color” to head the FBI, Democrats have notably remained silent despite their previous emphasis on diversity and representation on the campaign trail and during the Biden era. Patel, a staunch Trump ally, faced a rocky path to confirmation, with Democrats on the panel attempting to delay the vote earlier this month and continuing to protest his nomination into Thursday. Despite the criticism, Democrats have yet to acknowledge Patel’s historic appointment as the first “person of color” FBI director.
Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats, including ranking member Dick Durbin, D-Ill., Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Adam Schiff, D-Calif., protested Patel’s confirmation outside the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Thursday morning. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., in particular, drew backlash from conservatives on social media after expressing concerns about Patel’s appointment. Whitehouse’s comments were met with criticism, with conservative commentator Steve Cortes questioning the validity of Whitehouse’s attack given his membership in an exclusive beach club with a controversial history.
President Trump nominated Kash Patel for his qualifications and commitment to restoring integrity to the FBI. Harrison Fields, Principal Deputy Press Secretary, highlighted Trump’s focus on equality for all Americans, regardless of skin color. Democrats have previously championed diversity and representation, with notable efforts during the 2020 and 2024 campaign trails and the Biden administration era. However, they have remained silent on Patel’s historic appointment.
In contrast, Democrats had emphasized diversity and representation during the 2020 and 2024 campaigns, with commitments to naming a woman as a running mate and nominating a Black woman to the Supreme Court. Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House Press Secretary, highlighted her race and sexual orientation in her opening remarks, acknowledging those who paved the way for her to fill the role. Former President Barack Obama also addressed Black voters’ reluctance to support Kamala Harris, noting a lack of enthusiasm, particularly among Black men, for the idea of a female president.
Despite their previous emphasis on diversity and representation, Democrats have yet to acknowledge Kash Patel’s historic appointment as the first “person of color” FBI director. While they have championed diversity in the past, their silence on Patel’s appointment raises questions about their commitment to inclusivity and representation in leadership positions.
