Kash Patel Confirmed as FBI Director Amidst Democratic Concerns

The Senate confirmed Kash Patel as FBI Director with a 51-49 vote. Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins voted against the nomination. Patel, a critic of the FBI, was nominated by Donald Trump on November 30, 2024. Trump stated Patel would combat crime, dismantle migrant gangs, and stop human and drug trafficking. Patel has advocated for restructuring the FBI, including relocating agents to address street crime and reducing the number of lawyers and special counsels. In Cochise County, Arizona, Billy Cloud was appointed as recorder, replacing David Stevens, who resigned. Some Cochise County officials embraced unorthodox election procedures stemming from conspiracy theories spread by President Donald Trump after his 2020 loss.