Sat Feb 22 03:22:01 UTC 2025: ## Indian-American Kash Patel Sworn In as New FBI Director

**Washington D.C.** – Kash Patel, an Indian-American, was sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday. The ceremony, held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, saw Patel take the oath of office on the Bhagavad Gita, a significant symbolic gesture reflecting his heritage. Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath following Patel’s Senate confirmation.

Patel, who succeeds Christopher Wray, expressed his pride in achieving the “American dream,” highlighting his journey as a first-generation Indian-American to lead the nation’s premier law enforcement agency. He vowed to prioritize transparency and accountability within the FBI, aiming to restore public trust.

President Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Patel’s appointment, praised him as a “tough, strong” leader, emphasizing the respect Patel commands among FBI agents. Trump attributed the relatively smooth confirmation process to Patel’s credibility and endorsements from key figures.

Patel’s confirmation was not without opposition. He faced resistance from Senate Democrats and some Republican senators, ultimately securing confirmation with a narrow 51-49 vote. Notably, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who had opposed other Trump nominees in the past, voiced his support for Patel’s candidacy. Following his confirmation, Patel expressed gratitude to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for their confidence.

The article also briefly mentions unrelated news about the Indian government’s plans to potentially privatize state-owned power distribution companies. This information is not directly related to Patel’s appointment and is omitted from this news summary focused on the FBI Director’s swearing in.

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