Senate Judiciary Ranking Member Dick Durbin expressed concerns about President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the FBI, Kash Patel, following a meeting between the two men. Durbin stated that Patel lacks the necessary experience, judgment, and temperament to serve as the head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
According to Durbin, Patel's confirmation hearing is tentatively scheduled for the near future, pending approval from Republican Chairman Chuck Grassley. Durbin's office recently received Patel's FBI background check, which he has yet to review.
Durbin mentioned that he had read Patel's book before their meeting, highlighting specific sections with tabs. During their discussion, Patel reportedly failed to provide satisfactory answers regarding his views on the events of January 6th and his alleged 'enemies list' mentioned in the book.
Durbin questioned Patel's ability to oversee a large agency like the FBI during a national emergency, citing Patel's primarily political background as a cause for concern. He criticized Patel for downplaying the seriousness of the January 6th violence, referring to it as a 'haphazard riot.'
During their meeting, Durbin pressed Patel on his characterization of individuals involved in the January 6th events as 'cowards in uniform,' to which Patel allegedly evaded a direct response. Additionally, Patel reportedly declined to comment on whether he supports President Trump's decision to pardon individuals involved in the January 6th riot, stating that he would need to consult with his superiors before criticizing the president.
Overall, Durbin's remarks suggest that he has reservations about Patel's qualifications and suitability to lead the FBI, raising questions about Patel's ability to effectively manage the agency in critical situations.
