Trump’s picks for high-level government positions are largely expected to pass the Senate confirmation process with no hitches. After all, Republicans hold a 53-seat majority in the 100-person chamber.

But on Thursday, Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee have pushed for a delay in the vote to advance one nomination: that of Kash Patel, Trump’s pick to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Patel is controversial for several reasons, including his past statements indicating he would like to investigate journalists and politicians critical of Trump.

Democrats have pressed Patel to account for those comments and his support for the rioters who attacked the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, injuring police.

Senator Dick Durbin, the ranking Democrat on the committee, told reporters on Thursday that Patel’s attempts to dodge scrutiny during his Senate hearing reflected poorly on his prospects.

“That kind of evasion betrays the fact that he sided with the prisoners when he should have sided with the police,” Durbin said of the January 6 attack. “That, I think, is something that’s going to haunt him as he pursues this position with the FBI.”

Durbin added that he feared a backlash against FBI members who participated in past investigations of Trump.

“This appointment of the head of the FBI is one of the most serious that the Senate Judiciary Committee should consider,” Durbin said.

“I have to question whether or not this man is really ready to take over this job and to guide these men and women who dedicate their lives to the safety of the men and women of the United States.”