Senators ask FBI director nominee Kash Patel about ‘enemies list’ and politicization

Laura Barron-Lopez:

In another hearing room this morning, the fate of another controversial pick, Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee to head the FBI.

Kash Patel, FBI Director Nominee:

I have no interest, no desire, and will not, if confirmed, go backwards. There will be no politicization at the FBI.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

An agency that Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley said needs revival.

Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA):

Mr. Patel, I know you know this, but it's your job to restore the public trust and return the FBI to its core mission of fighting crime.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Patel opened his hearing with a pledge.

Kash Patel:

I will remain focused on the FBI's core mission. That is to investigate fully wherever there is a constitutional, factual basis to do so.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Patel, who served in Trump's first administration, has long promoted conspiracy theories that a — quote — "deep state" exists across the FBI, CIA and media, all conspiring against Trump.

Kash Patel:

I shut down the FBI Hoover Building on day one.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

His false claims and staunch loyalty to the president have raised concerns among Democrats, a number of former Trump officials, and some in law enforcement.

Under oath today, Patel claimed to not know a far right conspiracy theorist who's made antisemitic remarks…

Kash Patel:

Thanks, Stew. Always love coming on your show.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

… despite appearing on his podcast multiple times,

And he broke from Trump when asked about the sweeping pardons Trump granted to January 6 rioters.

Kash Patel:

I do not agree with the commutation of any sentence of any individual who committed violence against law enforcement.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Patel has a history of glorifying the January 6 rioters. He helped produce what's known as the J6 Prison Choir, a recording played often at Trump's campaign rallies. In it, defendants in the Capitol attack sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" from inside their jail cells.

Kash Patel:

It's not my choir.

Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL):

Who sings on this recording?

Kash Patel:

I don't know, Senator.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

The DOJ's January 6 report made public earlier this month confirmed at least six men on the recording pleaded guilty to assaulting police officers.

Another flash point, Patel's so-called enemies list. His 2023 book, "Government Gangsters," ends with a glossary of — quote — "members of the executive branch deep state," 60-plus names, including former FBI Directors James Comey and Christopher Wray. Democratic

Senator Amy Klobuchar pressed him about one name in particular, Trump's former Attorney General Bill Barr.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN):

Is it because of a personal vendetta that he's on the list? You're under oath.

Kash Patel:

I have no personal vendetta against people.

Sen. Amy Klobuchar:

OK.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

When Patel was floated to serve as deputy FBI director during Trump's first term, Barr, a Republican, said "Over my dead body<" adding in a book he wrote later that Patel had virtually no experience to serve in the role.

Despite Patel's history, Republicans on the committee praised his nomination.

Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-MO):

The rot is deep and the time for you is now and I'm glad because reform is needed.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

Asked who he ultimately answers to, Patel recited the chain of command.

Kash Patel:

The FBI is a member of the Department of Justice, and has been the longstanding application…

Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE):

And who does the Department of Justice work for?

Kash Patel:

They're in the executive branch, as all members do at the White House.

Sen. Chris Coons:

Attorney General Bondi gave a different answer when I asked her the same question, that they work for the Constitution and the American people.

Sen. Charles Grassley:

The hearing is adjourned.

Laura Barron-Lopez:

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Laura Barron-Lopez.