Kash Patel, an Indian-origin lawyer, officially took charge as the FBI Director on Friday. The Senate confirmed his appointment in a tight vote.
Swearing-In with Bhagavad Gita
During the ceremony, Patel placed his hand on the Bhagavad Gita while taking the oath. US Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath at the White House campus in Washington.
Afterward, Patel expressed his excitement. He said, “I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You’re talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth. That can’t happen anywhere else.”
Moreover, he emphasized accountability both within and outside the FBI.
#WATCH | Washington | Kash Patel takes oath on the Bhagavad Gita, as the 9th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Source: US Network Pool via Reuters pic.twitter.com/c5Jr0ul1Jm
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
Trump Praises Patel’s Leadership
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump praised Patel’s leadership and strong reputation among FBI agents.
“One of the reasons I love Kash and wanted to put him in is because of the respect the agents had for him,” Trump said.
Furthermore, he added, “He will go down as the best ever at that position. Turned out he was very easy to get approved. He is a tough and strong guy. He has his opinions. Trey Gowdy came out with an incredible statement and said that Kash is an incredible person and people don’t realise it.”
#WATCH | On Kash Patel to be sworn in as the Director of FBI, US President Donald Trump says, "… One of the reasons I love Kash (Patel) and wanted to put him in is because of the respect the agents had for him. He will go down as the best ever at that position. Turned out he… pic.twitter.com/DKMLoQbkEG
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
Senate Confirms Patel in 51-49 Vote
Later, the Senate confirmed Kash Patel with a narrow 51-49 vote. However, two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, opposed his appointment. As a result, the vote split mostly along party lines.
Patel’s Indian Roots and Career
Originally, Patel was born in Garden City, New York, to Indian immigrant parents from Gujarat. Eventually, he pursued a career in law and later worked in Trump’s administration. Notably, he served as a senior aide on the House Intelligence Committee.
