Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel has been confirmed as the first Indian-origin FBI Director after a narrow 51-49 Senate vote. President Donald Trump signed his commission, marking Patel as the agency’s ninth director. The White House hailed his confirmation as vital to advancing Trump’s agenda of restoring integrity and enforcing justice. Born in New York to Gujarati parents, Patel previously served as National Security Advisor and has a law degree. Following his confirmation, he expressed a commitment to make the FBI more transparent and accountable. Patel also shared experiences of racism he faced during his upbringing.
Washington:
Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel is poised to become the first Indian-origin Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), following a 51-49 vote in favor of his approval by the Republican-controlled US Senate on Thursday.
Dan Scavino, Assistant to the President and Deputy Chief of Staff at the White House, announced that President Donald Trump has officially signed the commission to appoint Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the FBI.
Mr. Scavino shared an update on X:
Just moments ago in the Oval Office.
Congratulations to Kash Patel, the Ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
President Trump has formally signed the commission…
Follow Kash on his new đť•Ź account: @FBIDirectorKash. pic.twitter.com/qcRqxE20d1
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 21, 2025
The White House praised the confirmation of Kash Patel as the new FBI Director, calling it a significant advancement in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s goal of restoring integrity and maintaining the rule of law.
🇺🇸 @FBIDirectorKash Patel’s confirmation as FBI Director marks a crucial milestone in pursuing President Trump’s mission to revive integrity and uphold the rule of law.
The FBI will prioritize service to the American public and reaffirm its commitment to its primary mission: to enforce justice impartially and without prejudice. pic.twitter.com/LoxYtx14VR
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 20, 2025
To date, the Senate has greenlit all of Donald Trump’s cabinet selections, highlighting his firm control over the Republican Party.
Who Is Kash Patel
Born in New York in 1980 to parents from Gujarat, Kash Patel spent part of his childhood in East Africa. He graduated from Garden City High School in Long Island.
According to his Department of Defense profile, Mr. Patel completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond before returning to New York to obtain his law degree and a certificate in International Law from the University College London Faculty of Laws in the UK.
Mr. Patel has also held the positions of National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI).
Who Is Kash Patel’s Girlfriend Alexis Wilkins
Alexis Wilkins is a country singer, author, and commentator. She currently serves as press secretary for Republican representative Abraham Hamade on Capitol Hill.
Reports indicate that Kash Patel and Alexis Wilkins first crossed paths at a conservative ReAwaken America event in October 2022 and began their relationship in early 2023.
Alexis Wilkins is an ardent supporter of “Veterans and Veteran” initiatives. She has collaborated with organizations like Warrior Rounds, Operation Standdown, and Soldier’s Child to assist veterans.
What Kash Patel Said On His Confirmation
Upon his confirmation by the Senate as the FBI director, Mr. Patel expressed appreciation and pledged to transform the agency into one that is “transparent, accountable, and dedicated to justice.”
He stated:
I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
My heartfelt thanks to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your steadfast support and confidence.
The FBI has an illustrious history—from the “G-Men” to defending our nation in the aftermath of…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 20, 2025
What Happened At US Senate Confirmation Hearing
Kash Patel was joined by his parents, sister, and girlfriend Alexis Wilkins during the US Senate Confirmation hearing.
Before the hearing, Mr. Patel respectfully touched his parents’ feet, a traditional sign of reverence in Hindu culture, and greeted them with ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ after introducing them to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
In response to Senator Lindsey Graham’s inquiry about experiencing racism, Mr. Patel acknowledged that he had indeed faced it growing up.
“Regrettably, Senator, yes. I prefer not to delve into those specifics with my family present,” he responded.
“I was subjected to derogatory remarks—including being called a detestable slur implying I had no right to be in this country and told to go back to where I came from, implying I belonged with ‘terrorist home friends.’ That’s just part of it, but it pales in comparison to what law enforcement officials endure daily,” Mr. Patel elaborated.