FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations during Senate budget hearing – ABC News
ABC NewsLiveVideoShows Good Morning AmericaShopGMA Interest Successfully AddedWe'll notify you here with news aboutTurn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? OffOnStream onFBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations during Senate budget hearingPatel sparred with Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen during the hearing.ByLuke Barr and Sarah Beth HensleyMay 12, 2026, 5:42 PM 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. "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."
Published: May 12, 2026 5:34 pm
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