Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, faces what could be a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, with questions expected over his experience level, brash rhetoric and concerns he would deploy the bureau to target the president’s foes.

Kash Patel, President Trump's pick for FBI director, faced members of the Senate Judiciary Committee in his confirmation hearing Thursday.

The man picked for a top security role in Donald Trump’s administration is a children’s author who believes the president has been persecuted and undermined by the “deep state”.