Trending Now - FBI Chief Patel Under Fire in Senate Hearing While Seeking Funds

WHO:

ABC News - Kash Patel, FBI Director

NBC News - Leadership for the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Fox News - Trump, as part of the broader DOJ funding proposal

WHAT:

ABC News - Patel stated, "Together, these reforms have truly transformed this FBI into the premier modern-day law enforcement organization we need to be."

ABC News - Patel's trip to Italy for Team USA hockey celebrations was said to have been previously scheduled, with personal expenses to be reimbursed, according to FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson.

ABC News - Patel is expected to face questions about alleged misuse of FBI resources for travel and job performance issues, including a report from The Atlantic that claimed he had "bouts of excessive drinking."

ABC News - During the hearing, Patel is expected to tout his successes at the FBI, stating, "Whether it’s rebuilding our entire backbone infrastructure, caring more for our workforce... we have delivered the changes you have been requesting for years… and we did it in just over 1 year."

ABC News - Patel is testifying before a Senate Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee hearing.

Fox News - Kash Patel is seeking a $12 billion budget request for the FBI as part of a broader DOJ funding proposal of $41 billion.

ABC News - Patel is expected to face questions about alleged misuse of FBI resources and personal conduct, including a lawsuit against The Atlantic for $250 million.

WHERE:

ABC News - Capitol Hill, Washington

WHEN:

ABC News - The hearing is regarding the 2027 budget request.

ABC News - Patel last testified on Capitol Hill in September 2025.

WHY:

ABC News - The hearing is part of the budget process and is expected to address controversies surrounding Patel's leadership and conduct.

HOW:

Alternet - Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll revealed that Patel asked him about his voting history, specifically whether he had voted for Trump or a Democrat in recent elections, indicating a loyalty test within the FBI under Patel's leadership.

ABC News - Patel stated he has "never been intoxicated on the job" and criticized media coverage, claiming, "I never listen to the fake news mafia."

ABC News - Patel's trip to Italy for Team USA hockey celebrations was said to have been previously scheduled, with personal expenses to be reimbursed.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 23:20 UTC)

Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll disclosed that Patel inquired about his voting history, specifically whether he had supported Trump or a Democrat in recent elections, suggesting a loyalty test within the FBI under Patel's leadership. Patel emphasized the significant reforms he has implemented, stating, "Together, these reforms have truly transformed this FBI into the premier modern-day law enforcement organization we need to be." Additionally, an FBI spokesperson confirmed that Patel's trip to Italy for Team USA hockey celebrations was previously scheduled, with personal expenses set to be reimbursed.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 21:23 UTC)

Patel is set to face questions regarding alleged misuse of FBI resources for travel and job performance, including claims of excessive drinking. During the hearing, he plans to highlight his achievements at the FBI, asserting that significant changes have been made in just over a year. Additionally, Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll disclosed that Patel inquired about his voting history, suggesting a loyalty test within the agency under Patel's leadership.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 19:31 UTC)

Kash Patel, the FBI Director, is testifying before a Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Capitol Hill regarding the 2027 budget request, seeking a $12 billion budget for the FBI as part of a larger $41 billion proposal from the Department of Justice. During the hearing, Patel is expected to face scrutiny over alleged misuse of FBI resources and his personal conduct, including a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic. He has defended himself by stating he has "never been intoxicated on the job" and criticized media coverage, asserting that he "never listens to the fake news mafia."