Sen. Adam Schiff made the extremely uncommon decision to visit the FBI headquarters building in Washington, D.C., this week to express his disapproval of President Donald Trump’s appointment of Kash Patel as the next director of the agency, just hours before the Senate as a whole confirmed him.
In comments to the media, the California Democrat, who was joined by roughly six other members of his party, denigrated Patel, prompting detractors to note that his obviously political behavior was further embarrassing and dishonoring him.
Schiff declared, “We cannot trust this person.” “This individual lacks the integrity and character necessary to perform this capacity.”
Others, such as Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, commented on social media after his comments that Schiff’s actions show that he was aware that Patel, the person who first exposed the “Trump-Russia collusion” hoax, was well aware of the California Democrat’s involvement in spreading that falsehood, even turning it into one of two impeachment cases during Trump’s first term.
There’s a very obvious reason why Adam Schiff is panicking outside the FBI building this morning…
Kash Patel: “Adam Schiff is the worst criminal in Congress in the last 250 years.” pic.twitter.com/9yiQBzHMEN
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) February 20, 2025
Others pointed out that previous President Joe Biden had granted Schiff a preemptive pardon, reportedly to cover for possible illegal acts.
Nevertheless, Patel thanked the president and stated that he was prepared to “get to work” in a post on his X account following his confirmation.
“I am thrilled to have been confirmed as the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s ninth director. Patel expressed gratitude to Attorney General Bondi and President Trump for their steadfast trust and assistance.
From protecting our country after 9/11 to the “G-Men,” the FBI has a rich history. He went on, “The American people want an FBI that is open, responsible, and dedicated to justice.
Public trust has been damaged by the politics of our legal system, but that is going to stop today. As Director, my goal is to restore public confidence in the FBI by allowing good officers to be police officers. We will rebuild an FBI that the American people can be proud of, working with our partners and the hardworking men and women of the Bureau,” he continued.
And take this as a warning to anyone who would do harm to Americans. We’re going to find you everywhere on Earth. First mission. America Always. Patel wrote, “Let’s 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.
The FBI has a storied legacy—from the “G-Men” to safeguarding our nation in the wake of…
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) February 20, 2025
When pressed for a response at CPAC this week, Attorney General Pam Bondi thanked Patel in an X message and hailed his confirmation.
“I look forward to working closely with him to end violent crime, protect our national security, and make America safe again,” Bondi said, adding that “Kash is very passionate about restoring the FBI’s reputation.”
Democrats, particularly Schiff, “fear” the prospect of Patel heading the FBI since he knows they were involved in Russiagate, Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) stated last week.
They are afraid of what Kash Patel will do and reveal, Blackburn said on Sunday on “Fox & Friends.” “I think, too, they are very afraid 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,” Blackburn said.