The U.S. Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI director in a 51-49 vote on Thursday, placing a Trump loyalist at the helm of the agency despite concerns from Democrats over his qualifications and past remarks.
🔹 The Republican-controlled Senate confirmed Patel with Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) breaking ranks to oppose his nomination.
🔹 Democrats expressed concerns about Patel’s lack of management experience and past comments, which they argued could compromise the agency’s integrity.
🔹 Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) called Patel "the worst choice" for the role, while Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) warned that confirming him would "haunt those who voted for him."
🔹 Patel has pledged to reduce the FBI’s presence in Washington, shifting the focus away from intelligence and national security toward traditional law enforcement duties.
🔹 He has been critical of past FBI investigations into Trump, previously referring to law enforcement officials involved as "criminal gangsters."
🔹 Patel also stated before his nomination that he would “come after” those in government and the media whom he believed conspired against Trump.
🔹 Republicans welcomed Patel’s confirmation, with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) saying he would restore accountability to the FBI.
🔹 Democrats protested his appointment, with Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) saying Patel “lacks the integrity to do this job.”
🔹 A group of Senate Democrats gathered outside FBI headquarters before the vote in a last attempt to block his confirmation.
🔹 Patel replaces Christopher Wray, who resigned before Trump took office after serving for more than seven years.
🔹 The FBI has been in turmoil in recent months, with the Justice Department pushing out senior officials and demanding the names of agents involved in the January 6 investigations.
🔹 Patel denied involvement in any firings but Democrats have raised concerns about his potential role in the removal of FBI personnel linked to Trump-related investigations.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
The 14th Sharjah Light Festival is lighting up Sharjah, UAE, with a stunning fusion of technology and cultural heritage.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for February 21st, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Marco Rubio says a Trump-Putin meeting hinges on resolving the Ukraine war.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
USAID has long promoted itself as a supporter of press freedom, but reports suggest its media funding may have influenced domestic narratives in Europe and post-Soviet states. With the Trump administration freezing its grants, the agency’s role in shaping global information is under scrutiny.
A Delta Air Lines regional jet flipped upside down upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport on Monday, injuring 18 people. Officials are investigating whether strong winds and snow played a role in the incident.
A tragic crowd crush at New Delhi Railway Station on Saturday night left 18 dead and 10 injured as thousands of people, many heading to the Kumbh Mela festival, attempted to board delayed trains. The incident highlights the ongoing risks of overcrowding at public transportation hubs in India.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
Pope Francis is showing improvement, the Vatican said, as the pontiff began his eighth day in hospital. Francis was admitted after struggling with breathing and is being treated for pneumonia.
EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
China's centuries-old treasures have been pulled out of storage to be restored for display at Beijing's Forbidden City and Palace Museum. Meticulous repairs are needed ahead of the museum's 100th anniversary this year.
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