In his confirmation hearing for FBI director on Thursday, Kash Patel presented himself as a man of experience, fairness, and devotion to civic duty. In the hours he spent in the room before the Senate Judiciary Committee,

President Donald Trump’s pick to run the FBI, Kash Patel, downplayed his past promotion of right-wing conspiracy theories and his pledges to pursue retribution against Trump’s opponents on Thursday at his combative Senate confirmation hearing.

President Donald Trump’s pick to head up federal law enforcement has faced criticism for maintaining a list of so-called “deep state” figures, including former President Joe Biden, and has sparked worries that he would prosecute political enemies.