Indian-American Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth Director of the FBI on Friday, taking the oath on the Bhagavad Gita. Patel’s confirmation followed a 51-49 Senate vote, with all Democrats opposing him. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath, and Patel expressed pride in being a first-generation Indian leading a top law enforcement agency, emphasizing his commitment to accountability and restoring public trust. President Trump endorsed Patel as “tough and strong,” highlighting the respect he commands among agents. The White House labeled his appointment a pivotal step in executing Trump’s agenda to uphold the rule of law.
Washington:
Kash Patel, an Indian-American, was officially sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday, taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita.
Standing alongside him were his girlfriend and family, with other relatives seated in the front row.
The oath was administered at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building by US Attorney General Pam Bondi, following Patel’s confirmation by the US Senate, succeeding Christopher Wray, as reported by Fox News.
After taking the oath, Patel expressed that he was living the American dream, stating that a “first-generation Indian is set to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth.”
He remarked, “I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead should look here. You are conversing with a first-generation Indian about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth. That simply cannot happen anywhere else.”
Patel also affirmed his strong commitment to accountability within the FBI.
“I promise there will be accountability both within the FBI and beyond,” he stated.
In the meantime, US President Donald Trump expressed his unwavering support for Kash Patel, describing him as a “tough, strong” individual.
Regarding Kash Patel’s swearing-in as the FBI Director, Trump noted, “One reason I admire Kash (Patel) and wanted him in this position is due to the respect the agents have for him. He will be remembered as the best to have held this position.”
“It turned out that he was quite easy to get approved. He is a strong and tough man. He has his own opinions. Trey Gowdy issued a remarkable statement saying that Kash is an incredible individual, and people don’t fully recognize that. Once he said that, the doubt was cleared. It was a significant endorsement from someone respected and on the moderate side,” Trump added.
Earlier on Thursday, the White House praised Patel’s confirmation as the new FBI Director, calling it a vital step in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law.
The White House further highlighted that the FBI would now re-center its focus on its core mission of enforcing justice equitably and without bias.
In a post on X, the White House stated, “@FBIDirectorKash Patel’s confirmation as FBI Director is a pivotal step in executing President Trump’s agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law.”
“The FBI will serve the American populace and refocus on its primary mission: enforcing justice fairly and without bias,” it continued.
Following his Senate confirmation on Thursday as the FBI director, Patel, an ally of President Trump, voiced his gratitude and pledged to rebuild the agency into one that is “transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.”
Patel expressed thanks to President Donald Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their support, accentuating his dedication to restoring public trust in the FBI.
Despite facing opposition from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, Patel garnered support from the wider Republican Party, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had previously opposed other Trump nominees, as reported by NBC News.
The confirmation was secured by a narrow 51-49 vote, with all Senate Democrats voting against him.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)