Kash Patel, a longtime loyalist of President Donald Trump, was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday by a narrow margin.
The final vote was 51-49, with all Senate Democrats opposing Patel.
He was also opposed by two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine.
However, Patel secured the backing of every other Republican, including Senator Mitch McConnell, who had previously opposed some of Trump’s other nominees.
Media Talk Africa reported that Senator Collins had revealed she would not support Patel after he cleared his final procedural hurdle on Thursday morning, despite the loss of her backing.
“While I strongly support efforts to ensure all federal employees perform their responsibilities ethically and in accordance with the law, Mr Patel’s recent political profile undermines his ability to serve in the apolitical role of Director of the FBI,” the senator said.
