Trump’s FBI Pick Kash Patel: ‘Let Good Police Be Police’

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominees to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation, defended his qualifications and vision for the agency during a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday.

Patel claimed that the FBI had lost public confidence and promised to restore transparency if confirmed as a director. With underline of his priorities, Patel declared his commitment to “letting good police be the police.” His nomination has drawn sharp criticism from the Senates Democrats, who questioned his impartiality and previous statements regarding the agency.

Newsweek reached out to the White House via E email for comment.

Why it matters

Patel’s confirmation struggle emphasizes the deep political departments of the role and independence of the FBI. His appointment would mark a sharp shift in the agency’s leadership considering his history of criticizing its investigations of Trump and his close personal ties to the former president.

What to know

Patel has long adapted to Trump’s views on the FBI. He was instrumental in efforts to discredit the FBI’s investigation into Trump’s ties to Russia and has accused the agency of targeting political opponents. His history of inflammatory rhetoric, including a proposal to convert the FBI headquarters to a “Museum of the Deep State”, has scared critics.

Democratic resistance and concerns

Senator Dick Durbin, the supreme Democrat of the Senate Legal Committee, emphasized the importance of an FBI director who prioritizes national security rather than personal complaints.

“The nation needs a FBI director who understands the seriousness of this mission and is ready on the first day, not anyone devoured by his own personal political complaints,” Durbin said.

Republican support and calls for reform

Republicans, including the Senate Committee of Justice Chuck Grassley, defended Patel’s nomination and argued that the FBI needs reform.

Grassley criticized the agency’s handling of high -profile investigations and said, “It is not surprising that public confidence has fallen into an institution that has been plagued by abuse, a lack of transparency and the development of law enforcement.” He added, “Mr. Patel, if you are confirmed, you will take responsibility for a FBI that is in crisis.”

What people say

Senator Dick Durbin, During the Hearing: “The nation needs a FBI director who understands the seriousness of this mission and is ready on the first day, not someone devoured by his own personal political complaints.”

Senator Chuck Grassley, during the hearing: “The FBI is still an important, even indispensable institution for law and order in our country.”

Kash Patel, During the Hearing: Patel said he would commit to “transparency” if confirmed as the FBI director.

What happens next

Patel’s verification process is expected to remain contentious, where Democrats strongly oppose his nomination, while Republicans are pushing for his approval. The final vote is likely to be related to whether moderate senators are swayed by concern over Patel’s previous statements and Trump ties.

This article includes reporting from Associated Press.