Kash Patel confirmed as FBI director by Senate

The US Senate has confirmed Kash Patel as FBI director, putting the former prosecutor in charge of a law-enforcement agency that he has fiercely attacked.

The upper chamber of Congress narrowly approved President Donald Trump's nominee by 51-49. Two Republicans voted no.

Democrats had warned he would seek retribution against Trump's enemies, although the nominee has denied any plans to pursue political vendettas.

In his confirmation hearings, Patel, 44, also denied keeping a list of "deep state" enemies, while playing down controversial past remarks he had made such as referring to law enforcement officials who investigated Trump as "criminal gangsters".

Patel was voted against by all Democratic senators and two Republicans who have often dissented, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

He was the 18th cabinet official approved by lawmakers since Trump was inaugurated a month ago.

Patel takes the helm of an FBI in flux after the justice department forced out some of its top officials and demanded the names of agents who investigated the 2021 riot by Trump supporters at the US Capitol.

Democrats say Patel is a far-right conspiracy theorist with little experience in law enforcement, and someone who would put fealty to Trump above his oath to lead a department that is meant to operate independently.

"My prediction is if you vote for Kash Patel, more than any other confirmation vote you make, you will come to regret this one to your grave," Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut said this week.

But to most Republicans, Patel is a disruptor who will lead an overdue shake up the nation's top law enforcement agency, which they and Trump claim has been weaponised against conservatives.

Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, told colleagues on Wednesday: "Mr Patel wants to make the FBI accountable once again, get back the reputation that the FBI has had historically for law enforcement."

Patel replaces Christopher Wray who Trump picked in 2017. Wray resigned before inauguration day last month, after the incoming Republican president indicated he would fire him.

Source: BBC