Photo: Alamy
The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) received a record number of applications for agents during the first full month under the leadership of Trump-nominated Director Kash Patel.
Fox News reported that 5,577 people applied to the agency in March, surpassing the previous record of 5,283 set in April 2016.
“Director Patel and Deputy Director (Dan) Bongino have put a major emphasis on restoring confidence in federal law enforcement and boosting new agent recruiting,” FBI spokesman Ben Williamson told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.
“These record early returns certainly suggest the new FBI is heading in the right direction,” he added.
Over 10,000 applicants have applied to the agency since January, the report added.
“The record number of FBI job applications in March shows that people are inspired by Kash Patel’s commitment to restoring integrity and effectiveness at the bureau,” Patel advisor Erica Knight said in a statement on Wednesday. “Americans are putting their trust in his leadership to rebuild the FBI and keep our communities safe.”
Trump nominated Patel for the position in late November as grassroots supporters pushed the #KashOnly campaign on X.
“I am proud to announce that Kashyap ‘Kash’ Patel will serve as the next Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Kash is a brilliant lawyer, investigator, and ‘America First’ fighter who has spent his career exposing corruption, defending Justice, and protecting the American People,” Trump wrote.
“He played a pivotal role in uncovering the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, standing as an advocate for truth, accountability, and the Constitution. Kash did an incredible job during my First Term, where he served as Chief of Staff at the Department of Defense, Deputy Director of National Intelligence, and Senior Director for Counterterrorism at the National Security Council,” he continued.
Trump also addressed the importance Patel will play in ending migrant crime and drug trafficking along the southern border.
“Kash has also tried over 60 jury trials. This FBI will end the growing crime epidemic in America, dismantle the migrant criminal gangs, and stop the evil scourge of human and drug trafficking across the Border. Kash will work under our great Attorney General, Pam Bondi, to bring back Fidelity, Bravery, and Integrity to the FBI,” he concluded.