Kash Patel, nominee for FBI Director by former President Trump, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for his confirmation hearing. Throughout the proceedings, he was questioned about his controversial positions, including his stance on the events surrounding January 6 and his ties to conspiracy theorists. While Patel promised changes at the FBI and to investigate perceived anti-Catholicism within the bureau, he faced significant opposition from Democratic senators who expressed concerns over his past associations and comments. Notably, Patel distanced himself from Trump’s approach to clemency for individuals involved in the January 6 violence and insisted that he would not engage in political retribution at the FBI if confirmed. The hearing highlighted deep divisions and fierce exchanges as officials grapple with the implications of his nomination and the future direction of the FBI.