Statements from Republican senators or voting records in the Senate

Trump Picks Kash Patel for FBI Director; Senators Ernst and Cornyn Back Nomination to Replace Wray

Dec 9, 2024, 06:08 PM

President Donald Trump has nominated Kash Patel as the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, replacing Christopher Wray. Patel has been meeting with Republican senators on Capitol Hill to garner support for his confirmation. Senators Joni Ernst of Iowa and John Cornyn of Texas have expressed support for Patel. Ernst stated, "He shares my passion for shaking up federal agencies, downsizing the D.C. bureaucracy, and having public servants work on behalf of the American people." Cornyn, after meeting with Patel, said he is "inclined" to back the nomination, adding, "I assume that Mr. Patel will be confirmed as the next FBI director." Senator Chuck Grassley has sent a letter to Wray expressing a loss of confidence in his leadership, telling Wray it's time to move on "for the good of the country." Senator Mike Lee also praised Patel's commitment to transparency, accountability, and law and order. Patel's nomination has been endorsed by the National Police Association and backed by former House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes, who highlighted Patel's experience as both a public defender and a prosecutor. The nomination is seen as a move to restore credibility to the FBI and address concerns about its current leadership.