Kash Patel becomes ninth FBI Director, pledges accountability and upholding the Constitution
BN Web Desk
Washington, Feb 22: Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita in a moment that underscored both his deep cultural roots and his journey as a first-generation Indian American. The ceremony took place in the Indian Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House campus, where U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath. With his family and girlfriend in attendance, Patel placed his hand on the revered Hindu scripture and raised his right hand, marking a historic moment in American law enforcement.
Following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate in a narrow 51-49 vote, Patel, 44, reflected on his journey and the opportunities that led him to the highest ranks of American law enforcement. “I am living the American dream. Anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, just look right here. 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 remarked in his address.
Born in New York to parents of Gujarati heritage, Patel’s family immigrated to the United States from East Africa in the 1970s. His mother hailed from Tanzania, while his father was from Uganda. The family eventually settled in Queens, New York, a neighborhood often referred to as “Little India.” Today, his retired parents divide their time between the U.S. and Gujarat.
During his speech, Patel extended his gratitude to former President Donald Trump, his family, and the senators who backed his confirmation, acknowledging their trust in him. He also addressed concerns over the FBI’s role in ensuring justice, assuring critics that there would be no “two-tiered system of justice” under his leadership. “Not with Attorney General Bondi,” he stated firmly. “There’s a singular system of justice for all Americans, and there will be accountability.”
Patel emphasized his commitment to upholding the U.S. Constitution, vowing to maintain integrity within the FBI while ensuring accountability for any misconduct. “We will uphold the Constitution. We will uphold ourselves to the Constitution. The men and women at the FBI—I have your back because you have the backs of the American people,” he affirmed. “You will be held to the same high standard. Any deviation from that standard will not be tolerated at this Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
Before the swearing-in ceremony, former President Trump praised Patel’s appointment, expressing confidence in his ability to restore trust in the agency. “One of the reasons I loved Kash and wanted to put him in was the respect the agents had for him,” Trump remarked. “I think he’ll go down as the best ever at that position.”
Patel’s appointment marks a significant milestone, not only for his personal journey but also as a testament to the evolving leadership landscape in the United States. His tenure at the FBI is expected to be closely watched as he takes on the challenge of steering the bureau in a politically charged environment while striving to reinforce public confidence in federal law enforcement.
