Kash Patel said he is “living the American dream” after being sworn in today as FBI director by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
“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 said.
He said President Donald Trump’s faith in him to lead the FBI is the “greatest honor that I’ll ever have in my life.”
Turning to the task ahead of him, Patel said there “will be accountability within the FBI and outside of the FBI and we will do it through rigorous Constitutional oversight starting this weekend.”
Turmoil in the bureau: Earlier this month, the fate of thousands of FBI officials was in the balance as the Justice Department demanded they fill out a questionnaire about any involvement in investigating the January 6, 2021, US Capitol riot, a move employees believe is meant to be a precursor to mass firings.
The unusual demand for FBI employees to explain their role in an investigation comes as CNN has reported that Trump’s Justice Department is considering expanding its purge of bureau personnel.
Some background: The Senate voted to confirm Patel on Thursday, installing the conservative firebrand at the head of the nation’s top law enforcement agency. The vote was 51 to 49, with Republican Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joining with Democrats in voting against his confirmation.
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