Kash Patel Tactic At Hearings: Name-Calling Senators

Photo: Screengrab C-SPAN

WASHINGTON, DC — A routine Senate Judiciary Committee hearing devolved into a fiery confrontation on September 17 as FBI Director Kash Patel and Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) exchanged insults and accusations. The clash centered on Patel’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and allegations of political motivation behind his decisions.

The tension began when Schiff questioned Patel about the transfer of Ghislaine Maxwell, an Epstein associate, to a lower-security prison. Schiff pressed Patel on whether the Bureau of Prisons’ decision was influenced by Maxwell’s discussions with the Justice Department. “Do you want the American people to believe that? Do you think they’re stupid?” Schiff demanded.

Patel responded with a fierce counter-attack, accusing Schiff of being a “political buffoon” and “an utter coward.” He claimed his job was to prevent the “weaponization of intelligence” by politicians like Schiff. “We have countlessly proven you to be a liar in Russiagate, in January 6,” Patel stated, adding, “You are the biggest fraud to ever sit in the United States Senate.”

The heated exchange prompted committee chairs to intervene. Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) repeatedly used his gavel, and Ranking Member Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) urged him to take control of the situation. Grassley eventually shouted, “Both of you be quiet.”

The confrontation also included a sharp rebuke from Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), who questioned Patel’s leadership and predicted his dismissal. “Because of your failures of leadership, I don’t think you’re fit to lead the bureau,” Booker said, adding, “I think this might be your last full oversight hearing.” Booker suggested Patel’s loyalty to Donald Trump would not protect him. “He is not loyal to people like you. He will cut you loose,” he warned.

Following the hearing, Schiff took to social media to criticize Patel, stating, The Hill reported, that Patel’s remarks were aimed at “saving his job.” “The hard-working men and women of the FBI deserve a Director who isn’t just performing for an audience of one,” Schiff wrote on X. The Hill also noted that the administration has initiated a separate probe into Schiff regarding favorable lending terms for his home, an allegation Schiff denies. This report suggests the probe is an attempt to target him as a key Trump adversary. (ANI)