The Senate voted Thursday to confirm Kash Patel as the next director of the FBI, cementing the ardent MAGA loyalist's role atop the powerful federal law enforcement agency. Why it matters: Patel's confirmation comes as President Trump seeks to test the limits of presidential power and expand the powers of law enforcement.

The Senate on Thursday confirmed Kash Patel to serve as the head of the FBI, approving a pick with a string of controversial statements who has been accused by Democrats of directing a purge of

Despite promoting debunked far-right conspiracy theories popular with movements like QAnon — including the claim that the FBI incited the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 — and a very public record of calling for so-called “deep state” operatives who oppose President Donald Trump to be punished,