FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with Democrats at oversight hearing

WASHINGTON — Lawmakers pressed FBI Director Kash Patel during a contentious oversight hearing on Tuesday about his leadership of a bureau that has seen massive changes since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term.

Patel faced scrutiny from Democrats about changes to the FBI’s hiring process amid firings and departures from the bureau since Trump retook office in January 2025. He also faced questions about his use of government aircraft.

As he lashed out at Democrats in the room, an FBI X account launched attacks on several members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Following several heated exchanges with Senate Democrats, Patel told Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, that he “would appreciate it if you concluded this hearing.”

Sen. Dick Durbin, the Illinois Democrat who is not seeking re-election this year, noted this will likely be his last FBI oversight hearing until retirement and said he was “disappointed” the Senate Judiciary Committee “has stood by” since Trump retook office in January 2025. “I look forward to a day, hopefully in the very near future, when this committee will fulfill its duty to hold Director Patel accountable for his leadership,” Durbin said.

Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., compared Patel to a “thug” and…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business