FBI Director Kash Patel defended his leadership and rejected drinking claims during a tense exchange with Senator Chris Van Hollen.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen and FBI director Kash Patel had a second tense exchange Tuesday during Patel's testimony before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, this time over the firing of FBI agents.

Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) called FBI Director Kash Patel "a disgrace" during Tuesday's hearing about Patel's alleged drinking habits. Van Hollen asked if Patel was aware that it's a crime to lie to Congress,

FBI Director Kash Patel sparred with a lawmaker briefly during a Tuesday afternoon hearing at the Senate Appropriations Committee when asked about media reports alleging he drinks to excess.

FBI Director Kash Patel has strongly denied allegations of excessive drinking on the job. The accusations came up during a budget hearing Tuesday. Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen confronted

Kash Patel spars with a senator over reports alleging he drinks to excess :: Washington, D.C. / May 12, 2026 :: Sen. Chris Van Hollen, (D) Maryland “Multiple reports, including reporting

Sen. Chris Van Hollen and FBI director Kash Patel had a heated moment Tuesday as Van Hollen questioned Patel about allegations of excessive drinking that were reported on by the Atlantic. The moment came during a Senate hearing on the 2027 fiscal budgets for various federal law enforcement agencies.

FBI Director Kash Patel is in the hot seat as he testifies Tuesday to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee regarding a report about his alleged excessive drinking. "When you say there’s credible reporting,