Kash Patel sworn in as 9th FBI director
Kash Patel, a close ally of former President Donald Trump, has been sworn in as the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) after a narrow Senate confirmation vote on Thursday. Patel, an Indian-American, is the first person of color to hold this position in the history of the agency. He was officially sworn in at the Eisenshower Executive Office Building by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
In a statement following his confirmation, Patel expressed his gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their support. He also issued a stern warning to those who seek to harm Americans, stating, “We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet.”
During his confirmation hearing, Patel assured lawmakers that he would not engage in political retribution against agents who had worked on sensitive cases involving the former president. Despite facing opposition from Democrats in the Senate, Patel’s extensive background in national security and intelligence ultimately led to his confirmation.
Patel has a history of engaging in dangerous missions in the Middle East to bring home U.S. hostages and implementing counterterrorism strategies against top terrorists. His nomination to lead the FBI comes at a critical time when the agency’s activities are under intense scrutiny for possible political motivations.
In response to concerns about potential retaliation or retribution within the FBI, Patel emphasized that there would be no politicization or retributive action under his leadership. He is committed to upholding the integrity and impartiality of the agency.
Prior to his appointment as FBI Director, Patel served as the deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism in the Trump administration. He played a key role in strategic missions targeting al-Qaeda and ISIS leadership, including the operation to eliminate Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi.
Patel’s confirmation marks a significant milestone in the history of the FBI, as he takes on the responsibility of leading the agency during a period of heightened scrutiny and challenges. His experience and dedication to national security make him a formidable leader as he steps into this critical role.
