KASH Patel was formally sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday, taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
The ceremony was administered by US Attorney General Pam Bondi at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Patel’s family and girlfriend in attendance
The White House announced his appointment, stating that it was time to “restore integrity and justice” at the FBI. The administration, through an official statement, underscored its commitment to ensuring the agency functions without bias.
“@FBIDirectorKash has officially been sworn in as the Director of the FBI by @AGPamBondi. It’s time we restore integrity and justice at the FBI. Make America safe again,” the White House wrote in a post on X.
Following his swearing-in, Patel hailed the moment as a testament to the American dream, stating, “I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You are 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.”
Patel, known for his previous role as a national security official under former President Donald Trump, expressed his commitment to ensuring accountability within the FBI.
“I promise that there will be accountability within the FBI and outside of it,” he declared.
President Trump, who had nominated Patel for the role, voiced strong support for him.
“One of the reasons I love Kash 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,” Trump remarked.
He further stated, “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. When he said that, there was no doubt left.”
Patel’s nomination faced opposition from Senate Democrats, who voted unanimously against his confirmation. Two Republican Senators—Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine—also opposed his appointment.
However, Patel secured the position with a narrow 51-49 Senate vote, with support from Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had previously opposed other Trump nominees.
The White House had earlier welcomed Patel’s confirmation, calling it a crucial step in executing Trump’s agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law.
“The FBI will serve the American people and refocus on its core mission: enforcing justice fairly and without bias,” a White House statement read.
Following his confirmation, Patel thanked President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their support, vowing to rebuild the agency into one that is “transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.”
