Indian-origin Kash Patel was officially sworn in as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday, February 21, 2025. Known for his close relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump, Patel took his oath on the sacred Hindu scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, marking a historic moment in U.S. history. The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath. Patel takes over from Christopher Wray, who resigned at the end of the Biden administration.
Kash Patel’s Swearing-In Ceremony
The ceremony was attended by Patel’s girlfriend and family, as well as several prominent Republican figures, including Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Jim Jordan. Patel’s confirmation was achieved by a slim Senate vote of 51-49, with two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, casting their votes against him.
Not the First Indian-American to Take Oath on the Bhagavad Gita
Patel’s oath on the Bhagavad Gita may have garnered a lot of attention, but he is not the first Indian-American to take this step. Congressman Suhash Subrahmanyam also took his oath of office using the Hindu scripture, which underscores the growing presence of Indian-origin leaders in U.S. governance.
