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New FBI director Kash Patel taking oath
Indian-American Kash Patel took oath as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on February 22, becoming the first person of Indian and Asian descent to lead the agency.
The staunch Donald Trump ally took the oath on a copy of the Bhagavad Gita at Washington’s Indian Treaty Room, with his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, 26, holding the sacred text.
Kash Patel is sworn into office as the ninth Director of the FBI by Attorney General Pam Bondi at The White House. pic.twitter.com/5A3p7O05jo
— FBI (@FBI) February 22, 2025
Patel, born Kashyap Pramod Vinod Patel, is the son of Gujarati parents who fled Uganda during ethnic repression, migrated to Canada, and later settled in New York.
Two Republican senators, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, opposed his nomination, citing concerns over his partisan reputation, and his confirmation passed narrowly in the Senate (51-49).
He began as a public defender, handling murder, drug trafficking, and financial crime cases before transitioning to counterterrorism roles.
ALSO READ: Indian American Kash Patel starts tenure as FBI director, warns US enemies
As a Department of Justice (DOJ) prosecutor, he led investigations against Al-Qaeda and ISIS operatives and served as a liaison to elite military units.
On his first official day as FBI Director, Kash Patel paid his respects at the Wall of Honor, honoring the brave members of the FBI who made the ultimate sacrifice for the American people. This visit underscores his commitment to their legacy of courage and dedication to justice. pic.twitter.com/SxevED8xkM
— FBI (@FBI) February 21, 2025
Patel advised Trump during legal battles, including his recent criminal trial in New York, calling the proceedings an “unconstitutional circus.”
He gained prominence by criticizing the FBI’s investigation into alleged Trump-Russia collusion during the 2016 election.
ALSO READ: Trump vs Zelensky: Why US President is frustrated with Ukraine
During Trump’s first term, some national security officials labeled him “volatile” and accused him of prioritizing loyalty to Trump over protocol.
Patel has defended India’s Ayodhya temple construction, alleging a “disinformation campaign” against PM Narendra Modi and citing the site’s 500-year history.
At his swearing-in, Patel declared, “Anyone that thinks the American Dream is dead, just look right here,” referencing his journey as a first-generation Indian American.
WATCH: Kash Patel's full remarks after being sworn in as FBI Director:
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 21, 2025
"Anyone who thinks the American Dream is dead, look right here. You're talking to a first-generation Indian kid who is about to lead the law enforcement community in the greatest nation on God's Earth." pic.twitter.com/PQrCkme9az
He climbed from public defender to Pentagon Chief of Staff and Deputy Director of National Intelligence under Trump.
Trump touted Patel as potentially “the best ever” FBI Director, despite acknowledging his confirmation would be tough due to his “strong” persona.
Patel vows to tackle violent crime, citing 100,000 annual rape cases, 100,000 fentanyl deaths linked to China’s CCP, and 17,000 homicides.
He warned adversaries: “We will put on the world’s largest manhunt… and decide your end state.”
Wilkins, his girlfriend, attended his oath ceremony, highlighting their relationship amid media scrutiny.
His confirmation battle and sharp rhetoric have fuelled concerns about the politicization of the FBI, ensuring a contentious tenure ahead.
(With inputs from agencies)
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