President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for attorney general, Pam Bondi, came to the defense of Kash Patel during her Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, as Patel faced sharp criticism from Democratic senators over his suitability to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

“I have known Kash, and I believe that Kash is the right person at this time for this job,” Bondi said in response to concerns raised by some senators. She highlighted Patel’s qualifications, stating, “Mr. Patel was a career prosecutor, a public defender, and has extensive experience within the intelligence community.”

While Bondi was present for her own confirmation hearing, much of the focus shifted to Patel, a controversial Republican figure known for his outspoken statements. Patel’s own confirmation hearing for the role of FBI director has yet to be scheduled. Like other senior government appointments, the position requires Senate approval.

Patel has drawn criticism for several statements, including references to an “enemies list” of government employees and politicians, remarks about shutting down FBI headquarters, and comments linked to QAnon, a far-right conspiracy movement.

Bondi, who as attorney general would oversee the FBI, assured senators that Patel would follow the law. “Mr. Patel would fall under me and the Department of Justice, and I will ensure that all laws are followed — and so will he,” she stated.

Democratic Senator Dick Durbin brought up QAnon, describing it as a movement that promotes bizarre and harmful conspiracy theories. Patel has previously made statements related to QAnon, prompting calls for clarification. Bondi responded, “I look forward to hearing his testimony about QAnon in front of this committee.”

Republican Senator Thom Tillis defended Patel, calling the focus on his statements “absurd.” He asked rhetorically, “Does anybody honestly believe someone with a distinguished career like Kash Patel thinks that a cannibalistic cabal controlling the internals of government really exists?”

Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal urged Bondi and Patel to disavow controversial remarks attributed to him. Bondi, however, maintained that she was not familiar with all of Patel’s statements and had not discussed them with him.

Patel’s book, Government Gangsters, has also come under scrutiny for its mention of an “enemies list” targeting individuals he claims worked against Trump. When questioned about this, Bondi said, “I don’t believe he has an enemies list. He made a quote on TV that I have not heard.” She added firmly, “There will never be an enemies list within the Department of Justice.”

The hearing highlighted the challenges Patel could face in securing Senate approval for his nomination. His close association with Trump and controversial public statements are likely to remain focal points of scrutiny.

Patel has previously served as deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council. He later became the chief of staff to acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller.

Trump had attempted to appoint Patel as deputy director of the CIA during his first term, but the move was blocked by then-CIA head Gina Haspel.

Bondi, a former Florida attorney general, was nominated for the role of attorney general following the withdrawal of Trump’s initial nominee, Matt Gaetz, who faced allegations of sexual misconduct and drug use. A Congressional ethics committee later upheld those allegations.

Bondi also served as Trump’s legal representative during his first impeachment trial.