Who's Adam Schiff, whose remarks on Kash Patel angered Musk
What's the story
United States Senator Adam Schiff has been making headlines lately for his vocal opposition to Kash Patel's appointment as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director.
Despite vehement objections from Democrats and two moderate Republicans, Patel was confirmed by a narrow Senate vote of 51-49 on February 21.
Schiff had slammed Patel as a "political hack" and a "sycophant," questioning his credentials for the role.
Criticism details
Schiff's criticism of Patel sparks controversy
Schiff said, "The only qualification Kash Patel has to be FBI director is that when everyone else in the first Trump administration said 'no, I won't do that, that crosses moral, ethical, legal lines,' Kash Patel said sign me up."
He also questioned Patel's character and integrity for the position.
"This is someone we cannot trust. This is someone who lacks the character to do this job," Schiff added.
Counterattack
Patel's response and speculation about Schiff's 'enemy' status
Responding to Schiff's remarks, Patel called him "the worst criminal in Congress in the last 250 years."
Billionaire Elon Musk echoed the sentiment on social media platform X, saying, "Adam Schiff is a criminal."
There is also speculation that Schiff could be among the "enemies" mentioned in Patel's 2023 book Government Gangsters. The book allegedly details people who are seen as enemies by Patel.
Career overview
Schiff's political career and legislative efforts
Schiff has had a long political career. He served as a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles before being elected to the California State Senate in 1996.
He was elected to the US House of Representatives in 2000 and rose to national prominence for leading impeachment proceedings against President Donald Trump in 2019.
In 2024, he was elected to represent California in the US Senate after Dianne Feinstein's retirement.
Policy positions
Schiff's stance on Russian election interference
Schiff has been a vocal critic of Russian election interference and pushed for sanctions against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine.
His legislative efforts include proposing The Schiff-Cardenas Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act of 2000 and supporting public transportation initiatives like the Metro Gold Line expansion.
He also served on key committees, including Judiciary, Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence where he later became chairman.