US President Donald Trump officially signed the commission that confirmed Kash Patel as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His confirmation came after a closely contested Senate vote, with Patel securing 51 votes in favor and 49 votes against. Among those opposing the nomination were Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, alongside all 47 Democrats.
Patel, a staunch supporter of President Trump, had previously vowed to lead the FBI in investigating Trump’s political opponents. Following his confirmation, he pledged to transform the agency into one that is “transparent, accountable, and committed to justice.” In a statement on social media, the White House emphasized the significance of his appointment, declaring that his confirmation was a vital part of Trump’s efforts to restore integrity and enforce the rule of law. Patel echoed this sentiment in a post, warning those who threaten Americans, “We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet. Mission First. America Always.”
Kash Patel was born in Garden City, New York, to Gujarati parents on February 25, 1980. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond and went on to earn a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law. Patel began his career as a public defender, representing clients in cases ranging from murder and drug trafficking to complex financial crimes in both state and federal courts.
While Patel’s deep ties to India through his heritage are something he frequently reflects on, his professional focus has predominantly been on US national security, intelligence, and law enforcement. Over the years, he has held various high-level positions, including serving as deputy assistant to the President and senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council (NSC). During his tenure at the NSC, Patel was involved in critical missions, including the elimination of key terrorist leaders such as ISIS leader al-Baghdadi and al-Qaeda’s Qasem al-Rimi, as well as securing the safe return of American hostages.