Official announcements from the U.S. Senate or major news outlets

Senators Endorse Kash Patel for FBI Director Amid Reform Push

Dec 1, 2024, 03:05 PM

Senators Bill Hagerty and Marsha Blackburn have announced their support for Kash Patel's nomination as the new Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Hagerty emphasized the need for sweeping change within the FBI, citing serious problems within the agency that the American public is aware of. He believes Patel, with his background in national security and experience at the Department of Justice, is the right person to address these issues. Blackburn highlighted Patel's extensive experience, noting his roles as a prosecutor, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, suggesting he is well-prepared for the position. Hagerty has taken credit for encouraging Trump to consider Patel for the role, and his endorsement comes amid criticism that Patel lacks the traditional qualifications for the post, according to an NBC interview. The senators' endorsements are part of a broader push to reform the FBI, with Hagerty expressing enthusiasm for Patel to dismantle and reform the agency, as reported by Rolling Stone.