Indian-American Kash Patel was officially sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) by US Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday. Patel took the oath on the Bhagavad Gita, at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington DC.
#WATCH | Washington | Kash Patel takes oath on the Bhagavad Gita, as the 9th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Source: US Network Pool via Reuters pic.twitter.com/c5Jr0ul1Jm
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
His girlfriend and family stood beside him as he recited the oath, and other family members were seated in the front row. After a narrow confirmation vote, Patel is succeeding Christopher Wray.
“I am living the American dream,” Patel said after taking his oath of office. “And anyone that thinks the American dream is dead, just look right here. You’re talking to a first-generation Indian kid who’s about to lead the law enforcement community of the greatest nation on God’s green earth. That can’t happen anywhere else.”
#WATCH | Washington | Director of the FBI, Kash Patel says, “I am the living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You’re talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation… pic.twitter.com/5nLeclVeXn
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
Patel promised to the lawmakers who voted to confirm him and those who opposed his nomination that “there will be accountability within the FBI”.
“There will be accountability within the FBI and outside of the FBI, and we will do it through rigorous constitutional oversight starting this weekend,” he was quoted as saying by Fox News.
A staunch supporter of US President Donald Trump and outspoken critic of the former president, Patel assured lawmakers that he would not engage in retribution against agents involved in the Trump classified documents case or other politically sensitive matters, during his confirmation hearing last month.
Meanwhile, Patel being sworn in as the Director of the FBI, Trump said, “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.”
“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. It was a big statement made by someone who is respected and is on the moderate side,” Trump added.
#WATCH | On Kash Patel to be sworn in as the Director of FBI, US President Donald Trump says, “… One of the reasons I love Kash (Patel) 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. Turned out he… pic.twitter.com/DKMLoQbkEG
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
On Thursday, the Republic-led Senate confirmed Indian-origin, Patel with a 51-49 vote, despite doubts from Democrats about his qualifications and concerns he will do Donald Trump’s bidding and go after the Republican president’s adversaries.
