By Steve Neavling
The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday advanced the nomination of Kash Patel, Donald Trump’s controversial pick for FBI director, despite warnings from Democrats that he would prioritize the president’s interests and target perceived political enemies.
The 12-10 vote fell along party lines, sending Patel’s nomination to the full Senate, where Republicans hold the majority, the Associated Press reports. A confirmation vote is expected next week.
Patel, a former Trump administration official, has drawn criticism for his lack of leadership experience and a history of inflammatory remarks. He once referred to investigators of the former president as “government gangsters” and described some of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot defendants as “political prisoners.”
During his confirmation hearing last month, Patel defended his past comments, insisting that they were taken out of context. He denied accusations that a list in his book naming government officials as part of a so-called “deep state” was an “enemies list,” calling that a “total mischaracterization.” He also claimed his proposal to turn FBI headquarters into a “deep state museum” was misunderstood.
Patel was tapped in November to replace former FBI Director Christopher Wray, inheriting an agency beset by internal strife after several senior officials were forced out and the Justice Department made the unusual request for the names of all agents involved in Jan. 6-related investigations.
Sen. Dick Durbin, the top Democrat on the committee, accused Patel of secretly participating in the removal of FBI agents despite denying any involvement during his hearing. A spokeswoman for Patel dismissed the claim as “second-hand gossip” meant to push a “false narrative.”
“This is a guy whose judgment is beyond questionable. It’s appallingly bad,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode Island. “Mark my words: this Patel guy will come back to haunt you.”
Durbin added, “We are inviting a political disaster if we put Kash Patel into this job.”
Republicans have been quick to support Trump’s nominees in recent months, including new Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
