Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the FBI, faced a contentious Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Thursday, where he sought to reassure skeptical Democrats that he would not use the agency to target the president’s political opponents or pursue retribution.
“I have no interest nor desire and will not, if confirmed, go backwards,” Patel told the committee. “There will be no politicization at the FBI. There will be no retributive actions taken by the FBI.”
Patel’s assurances came as Democrats grilled him over his past statements and loyalty to Trump, raising concerns about his fitness to lead the nation’s premier law enforcement agency. Republicans, who control the Senate, expressed strong support for Patel, making his confirmation likely despite unified Democratic opposition.
Democrats highlighted Patel’s history of incendiary remarks, including calls for a purge of anti-Trump figures in government and the media, as well as his promotion of conspiracy theories. They accused him of advocating for the dismantling of the FBI’s Washington headquarters and turning it into a “museum of the deep state.”
“There is an unfathomable difference between a seeming facade being constructed around this nominee here today, and what he has actually done and said in real life when left to his own devices,” said Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
Patel pushed back, accusing Democrats of taking his words out of context. He insisted that his past comments about reducing the FBI’s Washington presence were aimed at decentralizing the agency to better serve the country.
Patel faced intense scrutiny over his views on the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Democrats pointed to a social media post in which he referred to “cowards in uniform exposed,” which they interpreted as a criticism of law enforcement officers who defended the Capitol. Patel clarified that he was referring to military leaders who he claims failed to mobilize the National Guard.
He also distanced himself from a song he promoted featuring Trump and a choir of jailed Jan. 6 defendants, which was used to raise money for their families. Patel claimed he was unaware that some of the defendants featured in the song were accused of violence against law enforcement.
“I did not know about the violent offenders. And I did not participate in any of the violence in and around Jan. 6,” Patel said.
In a heated exchange, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) challenged Patel to face Capitol police officers in the room and apologize for supporting those who attacked them. Patel responded, “That’s an abject lie, you know it. I never, never, ever accepted violence against law enforcement.”
Patel repeatedly emphasized his commitment to an independent FBI, free from political influence. When pressed, he declined to say whether Trump had lost the 2020 election, stating only that Joe Biden was sworn in as president. He also distanced himself from Trump’s pardons of Jan. 6 rioters, stating, “I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement.”
Republicans defended Patel, framing his nomination as an opportunity to reform an FBI they claim has become politicized. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the committee’s chairman, said, “Mr. Patel, should you be confirmed, you will take charge of an FBI that is in crisis.”
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) praised Patel, stating, “We want to be the Senate that confirms an FBI director that rights the ship, shows consistent respect for the rule of law and the Constitution, consistent respect for all law enforcement officers, and I absolutely believe you’re up to the task.”
The hearing underscored the deep partisan divide over Patel’s nomination. While Republicans view him as a reformer who can restore trust in the FBI, Democrats fear his past statements and loyalty to Trump could undermine the agency’s independence. Patel’s confirmation now moves to the full Senate, where Republicans hold the majority.