Senate

Republicans Just Put Kash Patel in Charge of the FBI

Despite two GOP defectors, Patel was confirmed by the Senate to lead the FBI for 10 years.

Kash Patel is sworn in before testifying during his confirmation hearing.

Bill Clark/AP

By Emily Kennard

February 20, 2025 02:28 PM

Republicans just gave Kash Patel, who has previously vowed to shutter the headquarters of the FBI, control over the FBI.

Only Republican senators voted to confirm Patel in a 51-49 vote, with only two GOP defectors.

Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski — both of whom also voted no on President Donald Trump’s defense secretary pick, Pete Hegseth — voted against handing Patel the reins to the Justice Department’s largest law enforcement agency for a 10-year term.