FBI Director Patel Spars With Senator Over Reports of Drinking During Hearing

FBI Director Kash Patel sparred with a lawmaker during a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Senate Appropriations Committee after the senator raised media reports alleging he drinks to excess. In his opening statement the senator, a Maryland Democrat, expressed concerns about Patel’s leadership.

He cited reports of the director’s personal behavior, the recent firing of counterintelligence agents tasked with monitoring threats from Iran, and subpoenas recently sent to reporters. “Director Patel, I don’t care one bit about your private life,” the senator said.

” The senator added that the director could not perform public duties if incapacitated, citing reports of Patel being so drunk and hungover that staff had to force entry into his home. Patel has sued The Atlantic, calling the reporting false and saying he has never been drunk at work.

Patel later shot back at the senator, accusing him of “slinging margaritas” with a known felon. The reference was to a meeting the senator had with Kilmar Abrego Garcia after the individual was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. The senator has denied that anyone drank margaritas.

“Director Patel, come on. These are serious allegations that were made against you,” the senator said. After the two spoke over each other briefly, the senator asked whether Patel would take a test used by the military to measure whether someone has a drinking problem.

“I’ll take any test you’re willing to,” Patel said. The director added: “Let’s go. ” The hearing took place on May 12, 2026, in Washington, DC.