Kash Patel Confirmed as FBI Director in Tight Senate Vote

Kash Patel has officially been confirmed as the new director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Senate approved his nomination in a narrow 51-49 vote on Thursday, marking a significant victory for former President Donald Trump, who has long been at odds with the agency. Every Senate Democrat opposed Patel’s confirmation, along with Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska.

Concerns Over Political Affiliations

Before the vote, Collins voiced concerns about Patel’s suitability for the role. "Mr. Patel’s recent political profile undermines his ability to serve in the apolitical role of FBI Director," she stated. However, the opposition was not enough to block his confirmation. Patel, a former Trump administration official, has built a reputation as one of the former president’s most loyal defenders.

Financial Disclosures: Bitcoin, Stocks, and Media Earnings

Patel’s financial records reveal an investment portfolio that stands out for an FBI director. His disclosures show holdings of up to $115,000 in a Bitcoin ETF and up to $250,000 in Core Scientific, a major Bitcoin mining company.

The FBI itself is already a major Bitcoin holder, acquiring large sums through criminal asset seizures. The agency currently holds approximately 213,297 Bitcoin, obtained through cases like the Silk Road takedown (144,000 BTC in 2013), the Jimmy Zhong seizure (50,676 BTC), and the Bitfinex hack (95,000 BTC). While much of the cryptocurrency is auctioned off by the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI still maintains a significant crypto reserve.

Beyond cryptocurrency, Patel’s investments include up to $5 million in EliteDepot, a fashion and skincare retail company, and up to $250,000 in NVIDIA, one of the world’s leading chipmakers. His portfolio also lists up to $250,000 in VK Integrated Systems, a defense and law enforcement tactical gear company.

Media & Publishing Income

Patel has also earned substantial income from media and publishing ventures. He received:

• $165,000 from Performance One Media
• $99,000 from Epoch Times
• $57,000 from speaking engagements at events such as Our Watch, the Libertarian National Committee, and Citizens Defending Freedom

His book deals—including Government Gangsters and The Plot Against the King series—generated between $145,000 and $1.2 million.

Resignations and Business Ties

As part of his new role, Patel has stepped down from several positions, including roles at Trump Media & Technology Group, the Kash Patel Foundation, and Epoch Times. However, some of his consulting businesses, Trishul LLC and Dal Forno LLC, will remain inactive rather than being fully dissolved.

His consulting work has linked him to key Trump allies, including Hope Hicks’ firm, Cavender Consultants, Robert O’Brien’s American Global Strategies, and Trump’s Save America PAC.

Patel’s appointment signals a significant shift in the FBI’s leadership, with many watching closely to see how he will navigate the agency’s future.