NEW DELHI : Kashyap โKashโ Patel, an Indian-American political figure, officially took charge as the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Saturday, swearing in on the revered Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita.
Following the oath-taking ceremony, Patel addressed a gathering, underscoring the significance of a first-generation Indian ascending to lead one of the most powerful law enforcement agencies in the world. He hailed his appointment as evidence that the โAmerican dreamโ remains vibrant and accessible.
โI am the embodiment of the American dream, and to those who believe it is fading, just look at me,โ Patel declared.
Speaking with pride about his heritage, he continued, โYou are looking at a first-generation Indian who is now at the helm of the top law enforcement agency of the most powerful nation on the planet. This is unparalleled anywhere else. I assure you that accountability will be paramountโboth within the FBI and beyond.โ
Patel expressed gratitude to US President Donald Trump, referring to him as a โvaliant fighter and an exceptional leader.โ
The 44-year-old Republican assumed office as the 9th director of the FBI on Friday, following a razor-thin Senate confirmation on Thursday, where he secured a 51-49 vote. Two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, broke party lines to vote against him.
President Trump lavished praise on Patel, calling him the โbest ever to hold the position.โ
โOne of the main reasons I wanted Kash for this role is the immense respect he commands from FBI agents. He will go down as the best ever at this job. The approval process was smoother than expected. Heโs strong, tough, and has a clear vision,โ Trump remarked.
He also referenced a statement by former congressman Trey Gowdy, who had lauded Patel as an โexceptional individual,โ adding, โWhen Trey said that, it left no doubt. Thatโs a big endorsement coming from a respected moderate.โ
Patel steps into an FBI facing considerable unrest. In recent weeks, the Department of Justice has compelled several senior officials to step down and has made an extraordinary request for the identities of thousands of agents involved in investigating the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot.
According to sources, Patel has already informed senior bureau leaders of his strategy to decentralize operations. His plan includes relocating 1,000 personnel from FBI headquarters to field offices across the country and transferring an additional 500 employees to a facility in Huntsville, Alabama.
FBI directors typically serve ten-year terms to shield them from political pressures and prevent excessive allegiance to any administration. However, Trump dismissed former FBI chief James Comey after he had served just over three years and recently replaced Christopher Wray, who had completed more than seven years in the role.
