Kash Patel was sworn in as the FBI director under the Trump administration on Saturday. The Indian-American leader, who was accompanied by his girlfriend and family, took oath by placing his hand on the sacred Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita.
Patel, who was confirmed as the FBI director by the Senate on Friday by a 51-49 margin, called the opportunity to lead the premier federal law enforcement agency the "greatest honour" of his life.
"I am living the American dream, and anyone who thinks that the American dream is dead, look right here," he said in his address after the swearing-in ceremony at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, D.C.
Patel, who has succeeded Christopher Wray as FBI chief, took immense pride as he highlighted that a "first-generation Indian is about to lead the law enforcement agency of the greatest nation on earth".
"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 said.
Making a strong commitment to ensuring accountability within the FBI, Kash Patel thanked President Donald Trump for his support and emphasised his commitment to restoring public trust in the federal agency.
"My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops – and rebuild trust in the FBI," he said in a statement after his confirmation.
Soon after the swearing-in ceremony, The White House posted on X confirming the news and wrote 'Make America Safe Again'.
"It's time we restore integrity and justice at the FBI. Make America Safe Again," the post, with a photo of Kash Patel and US President Donald Trump, read.
Praising the Indian-American's appointment, Trump said, "One of the reasons I love Kash and wanted to put him in is because of the respect the agents had for him".
"I think he'll go down as the best ever at that position," the US President said ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.
"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's 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.
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