US: Indian-origin Kash Patel sworn in as 9th director of FBI

US, Feb 22, 2025, By news on air18

In US, the Indian-origin Kash Patel was officially sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), calling this opportunity as the greatest honor of his life. His confirmation by the Senate was close, at 51-49, with two Republicans voting against him. He replaced Christopher Wray, who resigned at the conclusion of the Biden administration.

President Donald Trump praised Patel, saying he will be the best ever in the role. However, Patel faces criticism from Democrats, who worry he will use the FBI to target Trump’s opponents. Patel has denied these claims, promising to uphold the Constitution.

Patel plans major changes, including relocating 1,500 FBI employees out of Washington, shifting focus back to crime-fighting, and reducing the bureau’s intelligence operations. He also vowed to pursue criminals aggressively, both in the U.S. and abroad.