Poonam Nath

Kash Patel sworn in as the new director FBI; takes Bhagavad Gita in hand for oath

Digital Desk: Respecting culture, Kash Patel, the Federal Bureau of Investigation's ninth director, took his oath on Saturday, placing his hand on the Bhagavad Gita.

The US Attorney General, Pam Bondi, delivered the oath ceremony at the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House complex in Washington.

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

US President Donald Trump hailed Patel's selection, citing his widespread support among FBI officers. "One of the reasons I love Kash and wanted to put him in is because of the respect the agents had for him," Trump told reporters.

On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Patel's nomination by a vote of 51 to 49. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in opposing his nomination.

Patel, a former counterterrorism prosecutor and chief of staff to the defense secretary, has been an outspoken critic of the FBI. Democrats are concerned about the agency's independence under his leadership, therefore, his confirmation has sparked debate.

He succeeds Christopher Wray, who was appointed by Trump in 2017 but later battled with him before stepping down.

FBI directors are normally appointed for ten years to safeguard the agency from political interference. Patel's close links to Trump have raised worries about whether he will continue that pattern.

Patel has promised to restore faith in the agency. "My mission as director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI," he stated following his confirmation.