The Senate confirmed Kash Patel as the nominee for FBI director with a vote of 51–49 on Thursday, following a 51–47 vote to invoke cloture and commence debate.

The nomination had previously been advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee in a 12–10 vote.

Key conservative senators supported Patel, while several moderate members opposed his confirmation, reflecting a closely divided chamber.

During his confirmation hearing, Patel reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the bureau’s operations remain strictly law enforcement focused and free from political retribution.

He stated that there would be no retaliatory actions against agents involved in politically sensitive cases.

Patel’s background includes several national security roles during the previous administration, where he served in capacities such as chief of staff to an acting defense secretary, senior advisor in national intelligence, and national security prosecutor at the Justice Department.

His testimony also addressed the application of surveillance protocols under national security directives, with a statement that altering warrant requirements for intelligence agencies would not be pursued.

The confirmation comes at a time when the FBI’s internal processes and personnel decisions are under intense scrutiny, particularly following inquiries into the handling of sensitive investigations.

In recent developments, a group of FBI agents has initiated legal action to prevent the public disclosure of the identities of personnel involved in investigations related to significant national events, amid concerns of potential retaliation.

A leading Senate Democrat raised allegations regarding Patel’s role in recent personnel changes at the bureau, claims which were categorically denied by Patel’s aides and countered as politically motivated by members of the Senate.