Sen. Adam Schiff took the highly unusual step of traveling to the FBI headquarters building in Washington, D.C., this week to lament President Donald Trump’s choice of Kash Patel to become the bureau’s new director just hours before the full Senate confirmed him.
The California Democrat, who was accompanied by about a half-dozen other members of his party, disparaged Patel in remarks to the media, leading critics to observe that his blatantly political act was bringing more shame and dishonor to himself.
“This is someone we cannot trust,” Schiff said. “This is someone who lacks the character to do this job, someone who lacks the integrity to do this job.”
Following his remarks, others — including Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk — noted on social media that Schiff’s antics reflect his realization that Patel, who uncovered the ‘Trump-Russia collusion’ hoax, is well aware of the California Democrat’s role in perpetuating that lie, even turning it into one of two impeachment cases during Trump’s first term.
Others noted that Schiff is the recipient of a pre-emptive pardon from former President Joe Biden, allegedly to cover for potentially criminal actions.
That said, after Patel was confirmed, he posted a message on his X account thanking the president and noting that he was ready to “get to work.”
“I am honored to be confirmed as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Thank you to President Trump and Attorney General Bondi for your unwavering confidence and support,” Patel said.
“The FBI has a storied legacy—from the ‘G-Men’ to safeguarding our nation in the wake of 9/11. The American people deserve an FBI that is transparent, accountable, and committed to justice,” he continued.
“The politicization of our justice system has eroded public trust—but that ends today. My mission as Director is clear: let good cops be cops—and rebuild trust in the FBI. Working alongside the dedicated men and women of the Bureau and our partners, we will rebuild an FBI the American people can be proud of,” he added.
“And to those who seek to harm Americans—consider this your warning. We will hunt you down in every corner of this planet. Mission First. America Always. Let’s get to work,” Patel wrote.
Attorney General Pam Bondi congratulated Patel in an X message and celebrated his confirmation when asked for a reaction at CPAC this week.
“Kash is extremely passionate about restoring the reputation of the FBI, and I look forward to working closely with him to end violent crime, protect our national security, and make America safe again,” Bondi said.
Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) said last week that Democrats, and especially Schiff, “fear” the possibility of Patel leading the FBI because he is aware of their involvement in Russiagate.
“I think, too, they are very fearful of Kash Patel, because Kash Patel knows what Adam Schiff and some of the others did with Russia collusion, and they know that he knows — the dirt on them, if you will — and I think they’re fearful of what he’s going to do and what he’s going to reveal,” Blackburn told “Fox & Friends” on Sunday.