FBI Director Kash Patel Denies Drinking Allegations in Heated Senate Exchange
FBI Director Kash Patel angrily denied allegations of excessive drinking on the job during a heated exchange with Senator Chris Van Hollen at a budget hearing on Tuesday. Patel called the claims, reported in The Atlantic, "unequivocally, categorically false" and shouted over the lawmaker. He accused Van Hollen of "slinging margaritas on the taxpayer dime" during a visit to El Salvador to meet Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly deported. Patel has sued The Atlantic over the story; the magazine stands by its reporting.
Key facts
- FBI Director Kash Patel denied allegations of drinking on the job.
- The exchange occurred at a budget hearing on Tuesday.
- Patel shouted over Senator Chris Van Hollen during the hearing.
- Patel called the allegations 'unequivocally, categorically false'.
- The allegations were reported in The Atlantic magazine.
- Patel has sued The Atlantic over the story.
- The Atlantic says it stands by its reporting.
- Patel accused Van Hollen of drinking on taxpayer money in El Salvador.
Entities
Institutions
- FBI
- The Atlantic
- US Senate
Locations
- United States
- Maryland
- El Salvador
- San Salvador