Summary: Kash Patel becomes the first Indian-origin FBI Director, confirmed by a 51-49 Senate vote. Trump aide Dan Scavino celebrated his appointment with a viral Bollywood-themed video. Read more about Patel’s journey and his plans for the FBI.
Washington, D.C.:
Kashyap “Kash” Patel, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, has made history as the first Indian-origin Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). His confirmation was secured in a closely contested 51-49 Senate vote, overcoming resistance from two Republican Senators, Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine), along with all Democrats.
Amidst the political tensions surrounding his appointment, Trump’s aide Dan Scavino chose an unconventional way to celebrate—by posting a Bollywood-style congratulatory video.
A Viral Bollywood Celebration
Scavino took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a modified dance clip from the song ‘Malhari’ in the film Bajirao Mastani, starring Ranveer Singh. However, in this version, Ranveer’s face was replaced with Kash Patel’s, symbolizing victory.
The song’s lyrics, which roughly translate to “Let’s play the song of happiness…We have crushed our enemies,” were seen as a triumphant message following Patel’s confirmation. The 47-second clip quickly went viral, garnering over three million views and 10,000+ likes within hours.
A Controversial Yet Historic Confirmation
Despite facing strong opposition, Patel successfully secured his role as FBI Director, emphasizing his mission to restore public trust and ensure transparency.
“The FBI has a storied legacy—from the ‘G-Men’ to safeguarding our nation in the wake of 9/11. The American people deserve an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and committed to justice. The politicization of our justice system has eroded public trust—but that ends today,” Patel stated in a post on X.
He further asserted, “My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI.”
Kash Patel’s Background & Journey to the Top
Born in New York in 1980 to Gujarati parents, Patel spent part of his early life in East Africa before moving back to the U.S. He attended Garden City High School in Long Island and later pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Richmond. Patel furthered his education with a law degree and an International Law certificate from University College London.
Patel’s experience in national security is extensive. He has previously served as:
- National Security Advisor
- Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI)
His appointment signals a major shift in the leadership of the FBI, with Patel pledging to rebuild the agency’s credibility while taking a tough stance on national security.
As Patel embarks on his new role, his confirmation remains a hot topic of debate in Washington, but one thing is certain—his tenure at the FBI is set to make waves.
