Patel was sworn in at the Eisenshower Executive Office Building by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi after being confirmed by the U.S. Senate as the ninth FBI director, succeeding Christopher Wray. Patel, who is Indian American, is the first person of color to become FBI director.
"I am living the American dream," Patel said after taking his oath of office. "And anyone that thinks the American dream is dead, just look right here. You're talking to a first-generation Indian kid who's about to lead the law enforcement community of the greatest nation on God's green earth. That can't happen anywhere else."
Patel also made a promise to the lawmakers who confirmed him and those who opposed his nomination.
"There will be accountability within the FBI and outside of the FBI, and we will do it through rigorous constitutional oversight starting this weekend."
Patel has been a longtime Trump ally and a fierce opponent of the investigations into the president. During his confirmation hearing last month, Patel vowed he would not engage in political retribution against agents who worked on the Trump classified documents case and other politically sensitive matters.
He faced a rocky path to confirmation — similar to other fellow Trump picks — despite the Republican majority in the chamber. Democrats on the panel used their political weight to delay Patel’s confirmation vote earlier this month.
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
On the Senate floor, top Judiciary Democrat Dick Durbin claimed Patel had been behind recent mass firings at the FBI. Durbin cited what he described as "highly credible" whistleblower reports that indicated Patel had personally directed the ongoing FBI employee purge prior to his confirmation.
Patel brings to the office an extensive background in national security and intelligence. He previously engaged in personally carrying out dangerous missions in the Middle East in an effort to bring home U.S. hostages and also implemented counterterrorism strategies against America’s most-wanted terrorists.
Current and former U.S. national security officials and lawmakers told Fox News Digital previously that he, "objectively," is "one of the most experienced people ever to be nominated" to lead the bureau.
Patel's confirmation to head the office comes at a time when the FBI's activities are under scrutiny for possible political motivation, including its own leadership and decisions.
Previously, thousands of FBI agents as well as their superiors were ordered to fill out a questionnaire detailing their roles in the Jan. 6 investigation, prompting concerns of retaliation or retribution.
"There will be no politicization at the FBI," Patel said during his confirmation hearing. "There will be no retributive action."
Patel previously served as deputy assistant to the president and as senior director for counterterrorism in the first Trump administration, wherein he worked on presidential missions aimed at decimating al Qaeda senior leadership and ISIS command and control.
Patel was also involved in planning the mission to take out Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi, among others.
