As Kash Patel is confirmed as FBI Director the Indian-origin Trump loyalist gets a Bollywood-style congratulation

Kash Patel has scripted history by becoming the first person of Indian origin and the first Hindu to become the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Patel's nomination to lead the US's top investigating agency was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday.

Two Republicans vote against Patel

Despite being a Trump loyalist, Patel barely scraped through the Senate confirmation with a 51-49 vote, as two Republican Senators joined all Democratic Senators to oppose his appointment.

CREDIT: AP

The Republicans control the Senate with a 53-47 majority, and on Thursday, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski broke ranks to vote against him.

Why some Republicans don't like Patel

Ever since Patel's name was nominated for the post of FBI Director, Democrats and even some Republicans had opposed it, citing the conspiracy theorist's past comments.

Collins, who voted against him, said in a statement that Patel "has made numerous politically charged statements in his book and elsewhere discrediting the work of the FBI, the very institution he has been nominated to lead," which she said has "cast doubt on Patel's ability to advance the FBI's law enforcement mission in a way that is free from the appearance of political motivation".

CREDIT: AP

Trump camp welcomes Patel

While he remains a divisive figure among the Republicans, Patel received a warm welcome from the Trump camp.

Daniel Scavino, who served as deputy chief of staff in the Trump administration, even posted a video showing Patel dancing to the song 'Malhari' from the movie Bajirao Mastani.

"Congratulations to the new Director of the FBI, @Kash_Patel," Mr Scavino wrote on X.

Congratulations to the new Director of the FBI, @Kash_Patel! pic.twitter.com/JsANV0s9cP

¡ª Dan Scavino (@Scavino47) February 20, 2025

Thanking Trump and others who supported him, Patel said his "mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops and rebuild trust in the FBI."

I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your unwavering confidence and support.

The FBI has a storied legacy¡ªfrom the ¡°G-Men¡± to safeguarding our nation in the wake of¡­

¡ª FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 20, 2025

Though the FBI Director is appointed for a period of ten years, it is unlikely that Patel will hold the post for the full term. Two of his immediate predecessors had also left without completing the full ten years in office.

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