WATCH: Sen. Coons asks Patel if he’d fire career civil servants in FBI’s general counsel office

Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., questioned Kash Patel on Thursday in his confirmation hearing for FBI director.

Coons, citing some of Patel’s past statements, asked if he’d fire the career civil servants in the FBI’s general counsel office if he’s confirmed.

With regards to career civil servants in general counsel offices, he said, “those employees must continue their work, so long as no employee politicizes the work.”

Patel said also inspector generals are critical and “we must have competent IGs going forward.”

In his new term in office, President Donald Trump has already fired more than a dozen inspectors general, starting last week. Some lawmakers have suggested the move violates federal law that requires the president give Congress 30-days notice and a reason for dismissal.

“My core concern about these firings of the IGs, about the independence of the agency, have not been fully satisfied,” the senator said. “I appreciate your answers here today, but I remain concerned by your previous statements and your answers here today.”

Patel appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

A loyal Trump supporter, Patel is a former public defender turned Justice Department prosecutor. He served in President Donald Trump’s first term as chief of staff to acting defense secretary Christopher Miller. In interviews, he has said he wants to reduce the size of the national intelligence community, and shut down the FBI’s headquarters in Washington. He’s also repeated the false narrative that Trump won the 2020 election.

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