Synopsis
Kash Patel made history as the first Indian American FBI Director on Thursday, issuing a bold warning to America's adversaries: "We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet." His confirmation comes amid political controversy and a commitment to restore public trust in the FBI.Key Takeaways
- Kash Patel is the first Indian American and Asian descent FBI Director.
- Patel's confirmation was secured despite opposition from some Republican Senators.
- He has pledged to enhance transparency and accountability within the FBI.
- Patel's tenure follows a history of short-lived directorships.
- He emphasizes a commitment to rebuilding trust in the FBI.
Washington, Feb 21 (NationPress) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel commenced his groundbreaking tenure on Thursday as the first Indian American to lead the esteemed investigative agency, accompanied by a stern warning to America's adversaries: "We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet."
Patel assumed the role as the ninth director of the bureau, succeeding Christopher Wray for a projected tenure of 10 years, although both of his immediate predecessors had their terms cut short. Wray stepped down following Trump's election, two years shy of his term, while James Comey had only completed four years of his 10-year term before being dismissed by President Donald Trump in 2017.
The first Indian American to hold the position of FBI Director, Patel also marks the first of Asian descent.
In a tightly contested vote, the Republican-led US Senate confirmed Patel by a slim margin of 51-49, with two Republican Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joining all Democrats in opposing Trump's nominee.
Patel overcame their resistance, as well as that of the Democrats, one of whom cautioned at a press briefing outside the FBI headquarters in Washington DC that Patel "will cause evil in this building behind us."
"I am honoured to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation," Patel expressed in his inaugural post on X, using the handle "FBI Director Kash Patel."
"The FBI has a storied legacy -- from the 'G-Men' to safeguarding our nation in the wake of 9/11. The American people deserve an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and committed to justice. The politicalisation of our justice system has eroded public trust -- but that ends today."
"My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops -- and rebuild trust in the FBI."
"Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Bureau and our partners, we will rebuild an FBI the American people can be proud of."
"And to those who seek to harm Americans -- consider this your warning. We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet."
"Mission First. America Always. Let's get to work."
Collins, the Republican Senator who voted against Patel, stated that Patel "has made numerous politically charged statements in his book and elsewhere discrediting the work of the FBI, the very institution he has been nominated to lead," which she claimed has "cast doubt on Patel's ability to advance the FBI's law enforcement mission in a way that is free from the appearance of political motivation."
Patel's nomination was one of the most contentious by Trump during his second term, alongside Tulsi Gabbard for director of national intelligence and Robert F Kennedy Jr. for heading health and human services. Even some Republicans expressed concerns but most ultimately fell in line.
Patel, a former public defender, has experienced a rapid ascent within the power dynamics of Washington D.C. in recent years, having served as the Chief of Staff at the Department of Defence and Deputy Director of National Intelligence during President Trump's first term.
