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FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations during Senate ...
WASHINGTON -- FBI Director Kash Patel sparred with the Senate Appropriations Committee's top Democrat over the director's alleged questionable behavior when Patel appeared before the panel for a budget hearing on Tuesday.Sen. Chris Van Hollen, the ranking member of the committee, addressed reports of Patel's alleged misuse of FBI resources and a story in The Atlantic that alleged he has had "bouts of excessive drinking" and job performance issues.FBI Director Kash Patel speaks during a news conference at the Justice Department, Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Washington.AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File"What we are learning about what's happening at the FBI is anything but normal," Van Hollen said. "Director Patel, as you ask for more taxpayer resources, we cannot look away from the credible, extremely troubling reports about your misconduct at the FBI."Patel said last month that he's "never been intoxicated on the job," following the report. Patel sued The Atlantic over the article, demanding $250 million in damages.SEE ALSO: Kash Patel says FBI 'kept out' out of Nancy Guthrie investigation for first 4 daysVan Hollen later grilled Patel on the report asking Patel if, per The Atlantic report, he had "episodes of excessive drinking."Patel shot back, calling the report a "total farce."In a heated exchange, Patel then claimed without evidence that Van Hollen was "slinging margaritas" just over a year ago with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the migrant who the government said in court was erroneously deported to El Salvador.The moment is a reference to when Van Hollen traveled to El Salvador to meet with Abrego Garcia, who had been deported against a judge's orders to the notorious CECOT prison. At the time, the senator said at one point during the meeting monitored by the El Salvador government, El Salvador officials put glasses on the table where they were meeting that appeared to have liquid inside with salt or sugar rims on top.Van Hollen insisted that neither he nor Abrego Garcia touched those glasses and said it was clear they didn't based on photos of the meeting taken by El Salvadoran officials.In his opening statement, Patel lauded the men and women of the FBI, listing off a litany of accomplishments including a quick response by FBI agents during a shooting at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner last month.Patel is appearing alongside other Department of Justice agency heads regarding the agencies' 2027 budget requests. Patel is joined by Drug Enforce...
FBI Director Kash Patel fires back at drinking allegations
NewsFeedFBI Director Kash Patel and Senator Chris Van Hollen had a heated exchange during a Senate budget hearing after Van Hollen questioned Patel about drinking allegations first reported by The Atlantic magazine. Patel called the claims “unequivocally, categorically false.”Published On 13 May 2026
FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations at Senate hearing ...
FBI Director Kash Patel has strongly denied allegations of excessive drinking on the job. The accusations came up during a budget hearing Tuesday.
FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations in heated Senate ...
FBI director Kash Patel testifies before the Senate Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies hearing on Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request for the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration; the United States Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
