Kash Patel Clears Senate Panel Despite Dem Pushback Over FBI Purge

India-West News Desk

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Kash Patel’s nomination to lead the FBI advanced in a contentious 12-10 party-line vote by the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 13, setting up a full Senate showdown over one of President Trump’s most controversial picks.

Democrats fiercely opposed Patel, citing his deep ties to Trump, past inflammatory statements, and his role in shaping efforts to discredit investigations into the former president. His confirmation process was further clouded by the abrupt firing of several top FBI officials, including agents involved in Trump’s legal cases, just a day after Patel’s Senate hearing.

Despite these concerns, Patel enjoys solid Republican support, making his confirmation highly likely. If approved, he would oversee an agency he has long criticized as being infiltrated by the so-called “deep state.”

During his confirmation hearing, Patel dodged questions about the FBI purges and refused to clarify past statements, including his pledge to “shut down” FBI headquarters and turn it into a museum. He also previously vowed to “come after” journalists and has repeatedly questioned the legitimacy of investigations into Trump.

Adding to Democratic concerns, Patel authored Government Gangsters, a book listing officials he viewed as enemies of Trump, and a children’s book portraying investigations into the former president as conspiracies.

Patel’s nomination now heads to the full Senate.