Kash Patel, former Trump administration official and nominee for FBI director, pledged to restore public trust in the agency and combat violent crime during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday.
In his opening statement at the confirmation hearing, Patel acknowledged the need for transparency and oversight, citing concerns about declining trust in the FBI. “The erosion of trust, as Chairman Grassley pointed out, is all too low today. 40% of Americans have trust in the FBI. To get it back, there’s a twofold track, Senator,” he said.
Patel emphasised tackling violent crime as his primary objective, referencing statistics from 2023. “Just in 2023 alone, there were 100,000 rapes, 100,000 drug overdoses and 17,000 homicides. The priority of the FBI, if I’m confirmed, will be to ensure that our communities are protected and safeguarded and our children have parks to play in, and not needles to walk over,” he stated.
He also committed to greater cooperation with Congress, promising to respond to all appropriate requests for information. “Members of Congress have unfortunately submitted hundreds of questions that have been unanswered by the FBI in recent times. That will not occur if I am confirmed. All appropriate requests for information will be responded to expeditiously and fully,” Patel asserted.
Patel, a former National Security Council senior director and House Intelligence Committee staffer, highlighted his experience in counterterrorism and intelligence operations. He recalled investigating Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) abuses, which he claimed damaged public confidence in the FBI.
Patel began his testimony by offering prayers for the victims of a recent national tragedy and acknowledged his parents, who emigrated from India. “Sitting here today, I carry not only the dreams of my parents, but also the hopes of millions of Americans who stand for justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” he said.
Patel’s nomination is expected to face scrutiny over his past political affiliations and previous roles in the Trump administration. The Senate Judiciary Committee will continue its review before a final vote on his confirmation.
Key points from Kash Patel’s FBI director confirmation hearing
- Restoring trust in the FBI: Patel acknowledged declining public confidence in the agency, stating that only 40% of Americans trust the FBI. He pledged to rebuild credibility through transparency and congressional oversight.
- Focus on violent crime: Patel vowed to prioritise tackling crime, citing 2023 statistics of 100,000 rapes, 100,000 drug overdoses, and 17,000 homicides. He emphasised supporting law enforcement with necessary resources
- Commitment to congressional oversight: He promised full cooperation with lawmakers, stating that unanswered congressional queries from the FBI “will not occur if I am confirmed.”
- National security background: Patel highlighted his experience in counterterrorism and intelligence, including his work exposing FISA abuses and prosecuting terrorist organisations like Al-Qaeda and Al-Shabaab.
- Personal background: He began his testimony with prayers for victims of a recent national tragedy and acknowledged his parents, who emigrated from India. He said his nomination represents “the hopes of millions of Americans who stand for justice, fairness, and the rule of law.”
- Political scrutiny ahead: Patel, a former Trump administration official, is expected to face tough questioning over his past roles as the Senate Judiciary Committee considers his confirmation.