Poonam Nath

Indian-origin Kash Patel becomes the new FBI chief; professes to 'rebuild' agency

Digital Desk: Following the Senate's confirmation, Indian-origin Kash Patel was elected as the FBI's director on Thursday. Patel thanked the agency and pledged to transform it into one that is "transparent, accountable, and committed to justice."

Patel emphasized his dedication to rebuilding public confidence in the FBI and thanked Attorney General Pam Bondi and President Donald Trump for their assistance.

"I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation," Patel wrote in a post shared on X. We appreciate President Trump's and Attorney General Bondi's steadfast trust and assistance.

Moments ago in the Oval Office.

Congratulations to the Ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Kash Patel.

President Trump has officially signed the commission…

Follow Kash on his new ???? account: @FBIDirectorKash. pic.twitter.com/qcRqxE20d1

— Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 21, 2025

"The FBI has a storied legacy—from the "G-Men" to protecting our country after 9/11," he continued. The American people are entitled to an FBI that is open, responsible, and dedicated to upholding the law. Public trust has been damaged by the politicization of our legal system, but that is going to stop today.

Patel pledged to remake the FBI into an agency in which the American people could take pride.

All of the Democratic senators and two Republicans who frequently dissented, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, voted against Patel.

Since the swearing-in of Trump one month ago, he was the 18th cabinet member to receive legislative approval.

Patel replaced Christopher Wray, whom Trump appointed in 2017. Wray quit before the inauguration last month after the incoming Republican president threatened to remove him.