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Heated Exchange Between F.B.I. Director and Senator During Hearing
Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, questioned the director of the F.B.I., Kash Patel, about reports of excessive drinking and ordering polygraph tests for members of his team in a search for sources of leaks about him.
“This suggests to me the allegations are true. Multiple reports, including reporting by The Atlantic, have alleged episodes of excessive drinking, unexplained absences and behavior that concerned current and former F.B.I. and D.O.J. officials. You have publicly denied those allegations and filed a defamation lawsuit. So today, as you testify before Congress, is it your testimony that those allegations are categorically false?” “Unequivocally, categorically false.” “Director Patel, come on. These are serious allegations that were made against you. There was a lawsuit filed.” “You were drinking margaritas with a gangbanger.” “And it just goes to show you —” “You running a $7,000 bar tab at the lobby bar — has been filed by your own office.” “This goes to show —” “During the day. That’s you. This is the ultimate example of hypocrisy. I will not be tarnished by baseless allegations and fraudulent statements from the media.” “The fact that you mentioned that indicates you don’t know what you are talking about.” “The F.B.I. conducts polygraph tests all the time. “No, have you, have you ordered polygraph tests for members of your team to determine who was the source of the stories that I’m asking you about?” “I don’t order any polygraph tests. There’s an internal inspection review process for any and all leaks, especially of baseless information at the F.B.I. that’s been in place for the last 30 years. Those processes are followed by career intelligence and agents on the ground.” “So I’ll take that as a yes, since you’ve said that these were unauthorized disclosures. Do you know, Mr. Director, that it is a crime to lie to Congress? Do you know that?” “I do not lie to Congress.” “I didn’t ask you that.” “You’re insinuating that I am.” “I asked you whether you know —” “You want to correct your time in this session, where you got steamrolled by the facts so you can have a Twitter narrative to raise more money and spend more money on $7,000. I find it troubling that you lie to the American people.” “You are a disgrace, Mr. Director.” “Not nearly as big as you.” “The fact that you can’t answer that question. I will, I will — that concludes my questioning, Mr. Chairman. But I’m obviously very troubled.”
Senator Chris Van Hollen, Democrat of Maryland, questioned the director of the F.B.I., Kash Patel, about reports of excessive drinking and ordering polygraph tests for members of his team in a search for sources of leaks about him.
By Jamie Leventhal
May 12, 2026
