Law Enforcement
What stance did Cash Patel take on January 6 pardons during his FBI director confirmation hearing?
Despite being a fierce Trump loyalist, Cash Patel expressed opposition to mass pardons for those charged with crimes related to January 6, particularly violent offenders. This position emerged during his confirmation hearing, where he outlined his intentions to reform and transform the FBI significantly from its current operations. Patel's stance represents a notable departure from what might be expected given his strong loyalty to former President Trump. His confirmation hearing revealed the complex balance he aims to strike between being a Trump ally while maintaining certain boundaries regarding the January 6 Capitol riot participants.
Watch clip answer (00:36m)
CBS News
01:04 - 01:40
What makes Cash Patel a controversial choice for FBI director and what changes might he bring to the bureau?
Cash Patel is a controversial choice to lead the FBI because he is an outsider who has not risen through the FBI's ranks, breaking with traditional leadership selection. As a Trump loyalist, Patel was specifically selected to fundamentally transform the bureau - essentially 'taking a sledgehammer' to the institution. Patel has spoken about eliminating what he terms 'tyranny within the FBI,' reflecting the deep distrust Trump and his supporters have toward government institutions. If confirmed, he would likely implement sweeping reforms aimed at restructuring the agency according to Trump's vision, addressing perceived institutional bias, and installing leadership aligned with the administration's priorities.
Watch clip answer (00:37m)CBS News
01:56 - 02:33
Why is Cash Patel's nomination as FBI Director facing scrutiny?
Cash Patel's nomination as FBI Director is facing scrutiny from Democrats who question his fitness for the role. Some have alleged that Patel has already initiated a purge within the bureau from the outside, suggesting he may be making personnel changes before official confirmation. Additionally, Patel is accused of breaking protocol during his previous position at the National Security Council. The Senate is holding a procedural vote to advance his nomination despite these concerns, highlighting the controversial nature of his potential appointment to lead the FBI.
Watch clip answer (00:18m)CBS News
00:00 - 00:19
What was notable about Cash Patel's position on January 6 pardons during his FBI director confirmation hearing?
During his confirmation hearing, Cash Patel, a fierce Trump loyalist, notably diverged from former President Trump's position by stating he did not agree with mass pardons for those charged with crimes related to January 6, including violent offenders. This marked a rare instance where Patel publicly departed from Trump's stance while otherwise maintaining his identity as one of Trump's top allies in this confirmation process for the key FBI Director position. Despite this difference of opinion, Patel continues to be characterized as a staunch Trump loyalist seeking this important leadership role.
Watch clip answer (00:28m)CBS News
01:19 - 01:48
How have Republicans responded to Cash Patel's nomination as FBI director?
Despite being one of President Trump's most controversial nominees, Cash Patel has faced virtually no Republican opposition. In fact, Republicans have become energized and galvanized around his nomination, with one Republican senator even escorting him at his confirmation hearing. This unified support comes despite Patel's controversial past statements and his openly stated intentions to fundamentally reform the FBI. While Mitch McConnell has voted against three of the president's nominees so far, the broader Republican Party has rallied behind Patel's nomination.
Watch clip answer (00:38m)CBS News
00:32 - 01:11
What happened in the grocery store attack involving Bianca Ellis?
Bianca Ellis is accused of a fatal stabbing of 3-year-old Julian Wood in a grocery store parking lot. Surveillance footage shows Ellis stealing two knives from a nearby thrift store before the attack. After obtaining the weapons, she spotted Julian and his mother at the grocery store and followed them outside to the parking lot. The attack was particularly horrific, as Ellis allegedly stabbed the toddler in the face and back, while also wounding his mother in the shoulder. The premeditated nature of the crime is evident from her acquisition of the weapons before targeting the victims.
Watch clip answer (00:39m)
Law&Crime Network
02:36 - 03:16