US Senate stamps Patel as FBI chief

The Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI director in a 51-49 vote.

WASHINGTON:

The Republican-controlled US Senate confirmed Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's pick for FBI director, on Thursday.

Patel was confirmed by a 51-49 vote. Two moderate Republicans, Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined all Democrats in opposing Patel, but it was not enough to overcome broad Republican support.

Collins and Murkowski, in opposing Patel, expressed concern about his past political advocacy for Trump and its potential effect on the FBI's law enforcement activities. Republican supporters argued he would reform an agency that has been hampered by a decline in public trust.

Patel takes charge as Trump-backed officials seek to put their stamp on the FBI and its parent agency, the Justice Department, challenging decades-old traditions of independence.