Author: Unknown
Published on: 30/01/2025 | 00:00:00

AI Summary:
Kashyap “Kash” Patel has spent his first confirmation hearing before the United States Senate. Trump’s nominees for high-level government positions seek to gain Senate approval. They included Robert F Kennedy Jr, a vaccine sceptic seeking to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, and Tulsi Gabbard, nominated to serve as director of national intelligence. Republican leaders on the Senate Judiciary Committee appeared to rally behind Patel. He echoed Trump’s allegations that the Department of Justice and the FBI had been weaponised against Republicans. Trump was impeached twice in his first term and after leaving office in 2021, became the first US president to face criminal charges. On January 6, 2021, thousands of Trump supporters descended on the Capitol. Durbin asked Patel directly if Trump was wrong to issue a blanket pardon. On the first day of Trump’s second term, however, the Republican leader commuted 14 sentences and granted full pardons to the rest of the accused. Patel denies desire to politicise the FBI Another point of contention was Patel’s past statements about how he might use the office of FBI director. Patel echoed the Republican leader’s warnings that perceived political rivals could face criminal prosecution upon his return to office. Coons pressed Patel on whether he would resign if asked to fulfil an ethically compromising order from the president. “Senator, I will always obey the law,” Patel replied, appearing to sidestep the question. Another Democrat, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, sought assurances that Patel would not allow for the firing of officials involved in federal investigations of Trump. Trump himself has sought to project an aggressive stance towards policing violent crimes. “The priority of the FBI, if I’m confirmed, will be to ensure that our communities are protected and safeguarded,” Patel said. The hearing got repeatedly heated, as Patel and his Democratic critics clashed.

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