35°
The US Senate confirmed Patel, 44, as FBI director by a vote of 51-49 on Thursday, Feb. 20, with Republican Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) breaking rank to join every Democrat in opposing the move.
Patel, a Long Island native from Garden City, rose to national prominence as a fierce loyalist to President Donald Trump while spreading “deep state” conspiracy theories and defending many of the rioters charged for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol.
He previously held several high-ranking positions during Trump’s first term, including as a National Security Council official, chief of staff to the acting US secretary of defense, and senior advisor to the acting director of national intelligence.
Trump touted Patel as a “brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter,” in a statement announcing the nomination in December 2024.
“He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution,” Trump said at the time.
Patel’s nomination faced intense scrutiny from Democrats, who warned that he would use the nation’s top law enforcement agency to seek retribution against Trump’s perceived political enemies.
During his confirmation hearing, Patel pushed back against concerns, pledging that there would be “no politicization” of the FBI and “no retributive actions,” CNN reports.
The vote capped off several contentious confirmations for Trump’s second administration, including:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services
- Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense
- Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence
Born and raised in Garden City, Patel is the son of Indian Gujarati immigrants. He graduated from Garden City High School, later earning a degree in criminal justice, a certificate in international law, and a law degree from Pace University School of Law in White Plains, NY.
He is expected to be sworn in later this week as he takes the helm of the FBI at a time of unprecedented political division and heightened scrutiny over law enforcement accountability.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Waterbury and receive free news updates.
