Senate confirms Kash Patel as FBI director

By Kalli Dahlberg

The Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI Director with a 51-49 vote Thursday, despite his past criticism of the agency. All 47 Democrats voted against the nomination, with Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of  Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine joining them.

“My reservations with Mr. Patel stems from his own prior political activities and how they may influence his leadership,” Sen. Murkowski posted on X. 

Trump’s choice of Patel led to concerns amongst Democrats. A Trump loyalist, Patel’s experience for the position was under scrutiny, as well as his previous comments about the January insurrection. Across several podcasts in the last four years, Patel has referred to Jan. 6 rioters as “political prisoners,” and the people who investigated them as “criminal gangsters.” He has also promised to “come after” the government and media who oppose Trump. 

“This is someone we cannot trust. This is someone who lacks the character to do this job, someone who lacks the integrity to do this job. We know that, our Republican colleagues know that,”  said Sen. Adam Schiff of California, a Democrat.

Patel’s confirmation stands as just one more controversy surrounding the FBI. Last month, the Department of Justice forced out several senior officials and demanded the names of agents who investigated the events of Jan. 6.