Columbia Standard

Ahead of the procedural vote on Kash Patel's nomination as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin expressed serious concerns regarding Patel's suitability for the role. Speaking on the Senate Floor, Durbin highlighted several issues he has with Patel, including whistleblower reports suggesting his involvement in a purge of FBI officials.

Durbin stated, "After meeting with Mr. Patel, reviewing his record, and questioning him under oath at his hearing, I am deeply concerned about his fitness to serve as FBI Director. He has neither the experience, the judgment, nor the temperament to lead the FBI."

He criticized Senate Republicans for overlooking red flags concerning Patel's behavior and motives. "My Senate Republican colleagues, sadly, are willfully ignoring myriad red flags about Mr. Patel," said Durbin.

According to Durbin, Patel plans to close and reopen the FBI Hoover Building as a museum dedicated to what he calls 'the deep state.' Durbin noted that Patel authored a book containing conspiracy theories favoring former President Trump and minimizing events like January 6th.

Durbin added that Patel compiled an "enemies list" in his book featuring names such as former Attorneys General Bill Barr and Merrick Garland and former FBI Directors Robert Mueller and Chris Wray.

The senator also alleged that Patel was involved in producing a recording featuring individuals prosecuted for their roles in January 6th events singing a patriotic song—a claim which Patel denied during hearings.

Concerns were raised about whistleblower allegations indicating that even before confirmation as FBI Director, "Mr. Patel is already seeking retribution on behalf of President Trump despite Patel’s status as a private citizen." According to these reports shared with Durbin's staff, senior law enforcement officials have been forced out from their positions at the FBI due to political loyalty questions.

"In the FBI’s long history," Durbin stated, "this has never happened before—never." He warned that if these allegations are true it would suggest perjury by Mr. Patel during his nomination hearing when asked about possible firings within the agency.

Durbin concluded by emphasizing potential risks associated with confirming someone like Kash Patel: “It will be a political and national security disaster if he is confirmed.”

Video footage along with audio recordings of Senator Durbin’s remarks are available online for further review by interested parties.