Do You Know Kash Patel, Trump’s FBI Pick Supports Ram Mandir In Ayodhya

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), presented himself as the right candidate for the role during his confirmation hearing on Thursday. Addressing senators, Patel emphasized his commitment to “due process and transparency” in an effort to restore public confidence in the agency, which he argued has lost the trust of many Americans.

Senate Concerns Over Patel’s Political Leanings

His nomination has sparked significant scrutiny, particularly from Senate Democrats, who questioned his allegiance to Trump and his stated plans to overhaul the FBI. Patel, a staunch supporter of the former president, has been an outspoken critic of the bureau’s investigations into Trump and has previously asserted that individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot were unfairly treated by the Justice Department.

During the hearing, Senator Dick Durbin, the leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, underscored the FBI’s crucial role in protecting the nation from terrorism, violent crime, and other security threats. He stressed the need for a director who prioritizes national security over personal political grievances.

“The nation needs an FBI director who understands the gravity of this mission and is ready on day one, not someone who is consumed by his own personal political grievances,” Durbin stated.

Kash Patel As FBI Director: Background and Controversial Statements

Patel’s nomination follows Trump’s decision to remove Christopher Wray, who had led the FBI for over seven years. Despite being appointed by Trump, Wray was dismissed after the former president deemed him insufficiently loyal.

A former aide to the House Intelligence Committee and an ex-federal prosecutor, Patel previously served in the Trump administration as chief of staff at the Department of Defense. His outspoken views and staunch loyalty to Trump have raised concerns among critics, who point to his frequent criticism of the FBI’s decision-making. Through various books and podcasts, Patel has named officials he believes should be investigated, further fueling apprehension over potential political motivations in his leadership.

Kash Patel Views on the Ram Mandir

Beyond domestic law enforcement issues, Patel has also voiced strong opinions on international matters. His stance on the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has drawn attention, particularly in contrast to the views expressed by U.S. institutions and media.

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) had expressed concern over the temple’s consecration, telling Voice of America (VOA) that they were “troubled” by the development. Major American media outlets also took a critical stance. The New York Times described the event as “A Triumph Toward a Hindu-First India,” while CNN reported, “Ayodhya Ram Mandir: India PM Modi inaugurates Hindu temple on razed Babri mosque site.”

Patel, however, criticized what he perceived as a one-sided narrative. In a February 2024 interview with a leading daily, he remarked, “To bring things really up to date, the opening of Ram’s Temple, when PM Modi went there, all the Washington newspapers only covered the last 50 years of history. They forgot the 500 preceding years. Whether or not you are Hindu or Muslim, there was a Hindu temple there for one of the quintessential gods in the Hindu pantheon in 1500 that was toppled, and they have been trying to get it back for 500 years.”

Concerns Over Patel’s Leadership of the FBI

He further accused Washington’s political establishment of engaging in a “disinformation campaign” against India and its prime minister. “The Washington establishment forgot that part of history to put on what I believe is a disinformation campaign that’s harmful to India and the PM’s position. They’re using that because I think they liken Trump and Modi as similar figures, and the establishment class in Washington doesn’t want that to be the case.”

As Patel moves closer to confirmation, concerns persist over how his leadership might reshape the FBI. He has previously advocated for significantly curtailing the agency’s powers, a position that aligns with the belief among many Republicans that the FBI has unfairly targeted conservatives. Outgoing FBI Director Christopher Wray has consistently denied such allegations.

Also Read: Meet Kash Patel, The Indian-American Lawyer Poised To Lead The FBI Under Trump 2.0