Trump’s FBI Chief Pick Kash Patel Greets Parents With ‘Jai Shri Krishna’ at Senate Hearing

Washington, D.C.: Kashyap 'Kash' Patel, US President Donald Trump's nominee for FBI Director, made headlines as he greeted his parents with "Jai Shri Krishna" before his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Thursday. The Indian-American lawyer and former national security official was seen bowing down to touch his parents' feet in a gesture of respect, a tradition deeply rooted in Hindu culture.

A video of the moment has since gone viral, drawing admiration from Indian and Hindu communities worldwide. Patel, 44, acknowledged his family's support, thanking them for traveling long distances to attend his hearing.

"I would like to welcome my father and my mother, Anjana, who are sitting here today. They traveled from India to be here. My sister is also present—she crossed the oceans just to be here for this special moment. It means the world to me that you are all here. Jai Shri Krishna," Patel said during his opening remarks.

Tackling Racism: Patel's Response to Senate Inquiry

During the hearing, Senator Lindsey Graham asked Patel if he had ever faced racism while growing up in the United States. Patel, while choosing not to delve too deeply into personal experiences, confirmed that he had encountered racial discrimination.

"Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don't want to go into too much detail in front of my family," Patel responded. He then referenced past instances where he had been the target of racial slurs and xenophobic comments.

"I was called a detestable—apologies if I don't recall it all correctly, but it's in the record—a detestable 'sand n****' who had no right to be in this country. I was told to go back to where I came from and that I belonged with my so-called terrorist friends. That was just one of the many instances, but it pales in comparison to what the brave men and women in law enforcement face every day,"* he added.

Who Is Kash Patel?

Born in New York in 1980 to Gujarati parents, Kash Patel spent part of his childhood in East Africa before moving back to the United States. He graduated from Garden City High School in Long Island before completing his undergraduate degree at the University of Richmond. He later earned his law degree and a certificate in International Law from the University College London Faculty of Laws.

Patel has an extensive background in national security, intelligence, and law enforcement. He has served as the National Security Advisor and Senior Counsel for the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) and has held key positions within the Department of Defense.

If confirmed, Kash Patel will make history as the first Hindu and Indian-American FBI Director, marking a significant milestone for the South Asian community in the United States.

A Historic Confirmation Awaits

Patel's nomination is seen as a strategic move by the Trump administration, particularly given his strong stance on national security and law enforcement. His confirmation hearing is expected to be closely watched, with discussions centering around his qualifications, leadership abilities, and past experience handling high-stakes intelligence matters.

His traditional greeting to his parents has already sparked conversations about cultural representation at the highest levels of the US government, with many applauding his embrace of Indian heritage while stepping into a critical leadership role.