Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel has been confirmed as the first Indian-origin FBI Director following a narrow 51-49 Senate vote. A loyalist of former President Trump, Patel’s confirmation faced opposition from two Republican Senators and all Democrats. Despite the controversy, Patel pledged to restore public trust in the FBI, emphasizing transparency and accountability in his leadership. His confirmation celebration featured a dance clip on X, showcasing a Bollywood theme. Born in New York to Gujarati parents, Patel has a legal background and has previously served as National Security Advisor. He aims to rebuild the FBI’s legacy and regain public confidence.
Washington, United States:
Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel, a staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump, has been officially named the first Indian-origin Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Republican-dominated US Senate confirmed him with a close 51-49 vote on Thursday. Dan Scavino, the President’s assistant and Deputy Chief of Staff, greeted Mr. Patel with a Bollywood flair.
Mr. Scavino posted a dance video on X featuring the song ‘Malhari’ from the film ‘Bajirao Mastani,’ with the image of actor Ranveer Singh replaced by that of Mr. Patel. The song’s translation is: “Let’s play the song of joy… We have triumphed over our foes”.
“Congratulations to the new Director of the FBI, @Kash_Patel,” Mr. Scavino wrote in the caption.
Congratulations to the new Director of the FBI, @Kash_Patel! pic.twitter.com/JsANV0s9cP
— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 20, 2025
The 47-second video has garnered over three million views and more than 10,000 likes to date.
The Republican-led Senate narrowly confirmed Mr. Patel with a 51-49 vote, as two Republican Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joined all Democrats in opposing Mr. Trump’s nominee. Nevertheless, Mr. Patel overcame their resistance and that of the Democrats, one of whom warned during a press conference outside the FBI headquarters in Washington DC that Mr. Patel “will bring harm to this building behind us”.
Shortly after his confirmation, Mr. Patel expressed gratitude to Mr. Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their backing and reiterated his dedication to restoring public trust in the FBI. He also promised to transform the agency into one that is “transparent, accountable, and devoted to justice”.
“The FBI has a rich history—from the ‘G-Men’ to protecting our country after 9/11. The American public deserves an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and focused on justice. The politicization of our justice system has diminished public confidence—but that changes today. My goal as Director is clear: allow good officers to do their jobs—and rebuild faith in the FBI,” he stated in a post on X.
“Mission First. America Always. Let’s get to work,” the new FBI Director concluded.
I am privileged to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your steadfast confidence and support.
The FBI has a prominent legacy—from the “G-Men” to safeguarding our nation in the aftermath of…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 20, 2025
Born in New York in 1980 to Gujarati parents, Mr. Patel spent his childhood in East Africa. He graduated from Garden City High School in Long Island. As per his Department of Defense biography, Mr. Patel earned 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 University College London’s Faculty of Laws in the UK.
Additionally, he has served as the National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI).