Democrats, still struggling after major funding cuts to their political operations, launched an aggressive campaign to block Kash Patel’s confirmation as FBI director, but their efforts collapsed. The Senate confirmed Patel in a 51-47 vote, handing President Donald Trump another victory.
Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and several of his colleagues gathered outside FBI headquarters in a final attempt to derail Patel’s confirmation. Schiff, who spent years pushing false claims about Trump’s ties to Russia and played a key role in the first impeachment effort, argued that Patel lacked the integrity for the job. His complaints, however, came from a man who was censured by Congress for misleading the public.
We really want to believe that Senator Schiff will be asked to visit FBI headquarters again and again and again in the near future! https://t.co/s9rzdIy3uM
— MrMac (@MacMrmacinaz) February 21, 2025
Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) expressed alarm at Patel’s past statements about reforming the FBI, warning that he intended to “dismantle” the agency. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) took an even harsher tone, claiming Patel would “cause evil” at the bureau. Despite their dire warnings, only Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) broke with Republicans to oppose the confirmation.
Schiff scrambling outside the FBI building? Sounds like a man who knows the walls are closing in.
Kash Patel isn’t wrong—Schiff has spent years lying, leaking, and weaponizing government agencies against the American people. Now he’s sweating. 🔥
— Desiree (@DesireeAmerica4) February 20, 2025
Patel made it clear that his leadership would focus on restoring trust in the FBI. In his first statement as director, he said the agency must return to its core mission, free from political interference. “The politicalization of our justice system has eroded public trust — but that ends today,” he said. He also vowed to pursue those who seek to harm Americans.
BREAKING: Democratic Senators Schiff, Blumenthol, and Padilla are outside the FBI Headquarters to launch a major protest against Kash Patel’s vote.
This is HUGE!!🤣#KashPatel pic.twitter.com/5ZVjRXpmfr
— RossPayne365 (@RossEP365) February 20, 2025
Schiff’s frantic opposition raised questions about what he fears from Patel’s leadership. The new FBI director has previously described Schiff as “the worst criminal in Congress in the last 250 years.” Schiff’s presence outside FBI headquarters signaled how desperate he was to keep Patel out of the position.
Schifty Schiff out there opposing the FBI Director appointment because he knows Kash has the details on his crimes involving the Russia Hoax. pic.twitter.com/gtw7gtPDwY
— Marc 🇺🇸 (@gopher_marc) December 2, 2024
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who worked closely with Patel, praised his confirmation. She described him as someone deeply committed to law enforcement and restoring the FBI’s credibility.
Sen. SCHIFF ahead of Kash Patel vote: He sat before us under oath and insisted he knew of ‘no plans’ to punish FBI employees. The very next day, the purges began.
Whistleblowers said not only did he know about the purges… he was directing them.
“How could he not recall that?” pic.twitter.com/YkM59ybp8S
— Senate Judiciary Democrats 🇺🇸 (@JudiciaryDems) February 20, 2025
