Kash Patel, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has officially taken over as the first Indian-origin Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Senate, controlled by Republicans, confirmed his appointment in a tight 51-49 vote on Thursday. In a unique welcome, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino shared a Bollywood-style post on X.
Scavino posted a modified clip from the movie Bajirao Mastani, replacing actor Ranveer Singh’s face with Patel’s in the energetic ‘Malhari’ dance sequence. The song, which celebrates victory, was accompanied by Scavino’s message: “Congratulations to the new Director of the FBI, @Kash_Patel.” The video has since garnered over three million views and received more than 10,000 likes.
Patel’s confirmation wasn’t without opposition. Two Republican Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, joined all Senate Democrats in voting against him. Critics, including one Democrat speaking outside the FBI headquarters in Washington, DC, warned that his leadership could negatively impact the agency, stating Patel would “cause evil in this building behind us.”
Following his confirmation, Patel expressed gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi for their support. Patel pledged to restore trust in the FBI by prioritizing transparency and accountability. Reflecting on the agency’s legacy—from the “G-Men” era to its counterterrorism efforts post-9/11—he emphasized the importance of depoliticizing law enforcement.
On X, he expressed his commitment to ensuring the FBI remains transparent, accountable, and dedicated to justice. He emphasized that the politicization of the justice system has weakened public trust but assured that change is coming. He reaffirmed his focus on prioritizing the mission and serving the nation.
Patel, born in New York in 1980 to Gujarati parents, spent a portion of his childhood in East Africa. He attended Garden City High School in Long Island before earning his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond. Later, he pursued law at the University College London Faculty of Laws.
Patel has an extensive background in national security, having served as the National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). His appointment marks a new chapter for the FBI, with a focus on restoring credibility and reinforcing law enforcement integrity.
