Indian-origin Kash Patel officially took charge as the Director of the FBI on Friday. The Senate confirmed his appointment in a close 51-49 vote. Despite opposition from two Republican senators, Patel secured the position.

Oath-Taking Ceremony

During the ceremony, Kash Patel placed his hand on the Bhagavad Gita while taking the oath. US Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the ceremony at the White House campus in Washington.

Afterward, Patel expressed his pride and gratitude. He said, “I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You’re 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.”

Moreover, he emphasized accountability, both within the FBI and outside of it.

Watch Kash Patel sworn in as FBI director by taking an oath on Bhagavad Gita. All the best to @Kash_Patel on his job to make the world a safer place. Jai Shri Krishna #kash #fbi pic.twitter.com/1Lb8OvH1zo

— Ranjeeth R (@ranjeeeth) February 22, 2025

Trump Praises Patel’s Leadership

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump praised Patel’s appointment and his strong reputation among FBI agents.

“One of the reasons I love Kash and wanted to put him in is because of the respect the agents had for him,” Trump said.

Furthermore, he expressed confidence in Patel’s leadership. “He will go down as the best ever at that position. Turned out he was very easy to get approved. He is a tough and strong guy. He has his opinions. Trey Gowdy came out with an incredible statement and said that Kash is an incredible person and people don’t realize it.”

Senate Confirms Patel in a Tight Vote

Despite facing opposition, Patel won confirmation by a narrow margin. Notably, two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, voted against him.

Patel’s Background and Indian Roots

Patel was born in Garden City, New York. His parents immigrated from Gujarat, India.

Initially, he pursued a legal career. Later, during Trump’s first term, he served as a senior aide on the House Intelligence Committee.

Now, as FBI Director, he takes on the responsibility of leading one of the world’s most powerful law enforcement agencies.