1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

The FBI director is entrusted with leading the nation's premier law enforcement agency and upholding the rule of law without regard for partisan interests. Appointing Kash Patel, an outspoken critic of the FBI and proponent of unfounded conspiracy theories, would severely undermine the bureau's integrity and independence. Patel has advocated dismantling the FBI headquarters, targeting media outlets, and using the Department of Justice to attack political opponents – actions fundamentally antithetical to democratic principles. His confirmation would enable the president's threats against those who scrutinize his conduct and inflict lasting damage on an institution crucial to national security. The Senate must reject this destructive nomination to preserve the FBI's nonpartisan mission of protecting all Americans equally under the law.