Patel sworn in as FBI director: Trump calls him 'Best Ever' | WATCH
Indian-origin Kash Patel was sworn in as FBI director, taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita, vowing reforms and accountability amid political controversy.
Kash Patel was officially sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday, taking his oath on the Hindu sacred text, the Bhagavad Gita. The ceremony, held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, was attended by Patel’s family and girlfriend. US Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath following Patel’s confirmation by the US Senate. He succeeds Christopher Wray in the role. Patel is not the first Indian-American to take his oath on the Gita. Previously, Congressman Suhas Subrahmanyam also took his oath on the same text.
Patel calls his appointment ‘The American Dream’
Expressing his gratitude, Patel described his appointment as the "greatest honor" of his life. He emphasized his belief in the American dream, stating, "Anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You are talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth. That can't happen anywhere else." Patel also reaffirmed his commitment to accountability within the FBI. Following the oath ceremony, the White House shared on its X account, “It's time we restore integrity and justice at the FBI. MAKE AMERICA SAFE AGAIN!”
#WATCH | Washington | Kash Patel takes oath on the Bhagavad Gita, as the 9th Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
— ANI (@ANI) February 21, 2025
Source: US Network Pool via Reuters pic.twitter.com/c5Jr0ul1Jm
Trump praises Patel’s leadership
US President Donald Trump voiced strong support for Patel, calling him the best person for the job. "I think he'll go down as the best ever at that position," Trump told reporters before the ceremony. He also highlighted Patel’s widespread support among FBI agents, stating, “Agents love this guy.” Trump further mentioned that Patel’s approval process was smooth, noting that former Congressman Trey Gowdy vouched for Patel, calling him "an incredible person." However, not everyone welcomed the appointment.
Democrats express concerns over Patel’s allegiances
Democrats have raised concerns that Patel may use the FBI’s power to serve Trump’s interests. Some lawmakers cited past remarks where Patel had stated he would "come after" anti-Trump "conspirators" in the government and media. During his confirmation hearing, Patel dismissed these concerns, insisting that he would uphold the Constitution and had no intention of engaging in political retribution. At his oath ceremony, Patel also pushed back against media reports about him, calling them "fake, malicious, slanderous, and defamatory."
Planned reforms and the future of the FBI under Patel
Patel has expressed plans to introduce significant changes within the FBI. He aims to reduce its footprint in Washington, refocusing the agency on crime-fighting rather than intelligence-gathering, which has dominated its operations for the past two decades. He also reaffirmed the FBI’s commitment to national security. “Anyone that wishes to do harm to our way of life and our citizens, here and abroad, will face the full wrath of the DOJ and FBI,” Patel stated. “If you seek to hide in any corner of this country or planet, we will put on the world’s largest manhunt and we will find you.” A former Justice Department counterterrorism prosecutor, Patel was nominated by Trump in November to replace Christopher Wray. FBI directors typically serve ten-year terms to maintain independence from political influence. However, Trump previously fired James Comey after three years in the role and replaced Wray after seven years.
