By James Lynch | National Review
The Senate confirmed Kash Patel Thursday to be the next director of the FBI, setting in motion President Donald Trump’s plans to overhaul the agency after years of scandal tarnished its reputation.
Patel was confirmed 51 to 49, with GOP Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joining Democrats in opposing the confirmation. Senator Mitch McConnell, who cast the lone Republican vote against several of Trump’s other cabinet nominees, voted to confirm Patel.
The Senate voted 51-47 earlier Thursday to break the filibuster on Patel’s nomination, setting the stage for the confirmation vote. Patel’s confirmation took place during a tumultuous time for the Justice Department, as several top prosecutors resigned over the Trump administration’s directive to end the federal corruption case against New York City Mayor Eric Adams (D).