Kash Patel Sworn In as FBI Director at White House, Calls It the ‘Greatest Honor’

Kash Patel Sworn In as FBI Director, Takes Oath on Bhagavad Gita

Highlighting his Indian heritage, Kash Patel was sworn in as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday (local time) under the Trump administration. In a significant departure from tradition, Patel took the oath on the Bhagavad Gita instead of the Bible.

Administered by Attorney General Pam Bondi, the ceremony took place in the Indian Treaty Room at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, with Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, holding the sacred Hindu scripture. “Place your hand on the Gita and raise your right hand,” Bondi instructed as Patel took the oath.

‘I Am Living the American Dream’

Following his swearing-in, Patel expressed gratitude to former President Donald Trump, calling him a “courageous warrior and leader.” He described his journey as a testament to the American dream.

“I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks it’s dead—look right here. A first-generation Indian is now leading the greatest law enforcement agency in the world. That can’t happen anywhere else,” Patel said.

A Narrow Confirmation and a Firm Stand

Patel’s appointment was confirmed by a slim 51-49 vote in the U.S. Senate, with Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski siding with Democrats in opposition. A staunch Trump ally, Patel vowed to uphold accountability within the FBI, pledging rigorous constitutional oversight.

He also took aim at the media, alleging that he had been the subject of “fake, malicious, slanderous, and defamatory” reports. “Keep it coming. Bring it on. But leave the men and women of the FBI out of it. They deserve better,” he asserted.

Trump Backs Patel

At a press conference, Trump lauded Patel’s appointment, emphasizing his respect among FBI agents.

“One of the reasons I chose Kash is because of the tremendous respect agents have for him,” Trump said. “I think he’ll go down as the best ever in that position.”

During Patel’s nomination, Trump highlighted his expertise as a lawyer and investigator, describing him as an “America First fighter” committed to exposing corruption and securing the nation’s borders.

As the ninth FBI Director, Patel’s leadership is set to usher in a new chapter for the agency, with a strong focus on law enforcement integrity and national security.