With Inputs from PTI, WASHINGTON, FEB 22, 2025 : Kash Patel took the oath of office as the ninth director of the FBI on the Bhagavad Gita, reflecting on his heritage and his journey as a first-generation Indian-American. Patel, 44, spoke about how he is living the American dream and emphasized that his success showcases the possibilities in the United States.
The US Senate voted 51 to 49 in favor of confirming Patel as FBI Director on Thursday. His family members and girlfriend were present during the oath ceremony on Friday, which was administered by US Attorney General Pam Bondi in the Indian Treaty Room of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB) on the White House campus.
Patel placed his hand on the Gita and raised his right hand to take the oath. “I am living the American dream. Anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, just look right here. You’re talking to a first-generation Indian kid who’s about to lead the law enforcement community of the greatest nation on God’s green earth. That can’t happen anywhere else,” Patel said.
Born in New York, Patel has roots in Gujarat, India. His parents, who are originally from East Africa—his mother from Tanzania and his father from Uganda—came to the US from Canada in 1970. The family settled in Queens, New York, in the late 70s, an area often called “Little India.” Patel grew up there, and his parents are now retired, spending time in both the US and Gujarat.
During the ceremony, Patel expressed his gratitude to President Donald Trump, his family, and the senators who voted for his confirmation, acknowledging their “enormous leap of faith” in him. “Look, I know the media’s in here, and if you have a target, the target’s right here,” Patel said, pointing to himself. “It is not the men and women at the FBI.”
Patel also addressed his critics who believe there will be a “two-tiered system of justice.” “Not with Attorney General Bondi,” he assured skeptics. “There’s a singular system of justice for all Americans, and there will be accountability.”
“We will uphold the Constitution. We will uphold ourselves to the Constitution. The men and women at the FBI — I have your back because you have the backs of the American people,” Patel stated. “You will be held to the same high standard. Any deviation from that standard will not be tolerated at this Federal Bureau of Investigation.”
Before the swearing-in ceremony, President Trump praised Patel, expressing confidence in his leadership. “One of the reasons I loved Kash and wanted to put him in was the respect the agents had for him. I think he’ll go down as the best ever at that position,” Trump said.
