Kash Patel sworn in as FBI Director, takes oath on Bhagavad Gita

Indian-American Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth Director of the FBI on Friday, taking his oath on the Bhagavad Gita. His girlfriend and family stood beside him as he recited the oath, while other relatives watched from the front row.

The ceremony took place at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where Patel was sworn in by US Attorney General Pam Bondi. His appointment follows his confirmation by the US Senate, succeeding Christopher Wray, Fox News reported.

Following the oath, Patel said that he was living the American dream and added that a "first-generation Indian is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth."


He said, "I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks the American dream is dead, look right here. You are talking to a first-generation Indian who is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth. That can't happen anywhere else."

He also made a strong commitment to ensuring accountability within the FBI.

Patel said, "I promise that there will be accountability within the FBI and outside of it."

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed his strong support for Kash Pate and called him a "tough, strong" person.

On Kash Patel being sworn in as the Director of the FBI, Trump said, "One of the reasons I love Kash (Patel) and wanted to put him in is because of the respect the agents had for him. He will go down as the best ever at that position."

"Turned out he was very easy to get approved. He is a tough and strong guy. He has his opinions. Trey Gowdy came out with an incredible statement and said that Kash is an incredible person and people don't realise it. When he said that, there was no doubt left. It was a big statement made by someone who is respected and is on the moderate side," Trump added.

The White House on Thursday hailed Kash Patel’s confirmation as FBI Director, calling it a key move in advancing President Donald Trump’s agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law.

Emphasizing a renewed focus on justice, the White House stated that the FBI will now prioritize enforcing the law fairly and without bias.

In a post on X, the White House wrote, "@FBIDirectorKash Patel's confirmation as FBI Director is a crucial step in executing President Trump's agenda to restore integrity and uphold the rule of law."

"The FBI will serve the American people and refocus on its core mission: enforcing justice fairly and without bias," it added.

With inputs from ANI