FBI director Kash Patel to face Senate panel over leadership, spending, and 2020 election probe

FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to face senators on Tuesdayas the Senate Judiciary Committee questions him over his leadership of the bureau, use of taxpayer-funded resources and investigations stemming from the 2020 presidential election, according to Reuters.It will be Patel’s first appearance before the Senate since May. Democrats are expected to press him on several controversies surrounding his tenure, including claims about his conduct and questions over FBI spending.Republicans on the committee are expected to focus on the federal investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Chairman Chuck Grassley has identified the investigation as a priority for the committee.Patel is also likely to face questions about the recent resignation of Joe DiGenova, who had been leading a probe into several of Donald Trump’s political opponents. DiGenova abruptly stepped down last week from the investigation, which had sought to establish that Trump was the victim of a criminal conspiracy.Questions over Patel’s use of government resources have also drawn bipartisan scrutiny. Grassley asked in a May 5 letter for information about the FBI director’s use of a government aircraft, luxury vehicles and other taxpayer-funded expenses.Patel has faced other criticism during his time as FBI director. In May, he denied a media report alleging that excessive drinking had affected his ability to lead the agency.He has also attracted attention over reports of him scuba diving at a Pearl Harbor memorial and drinking beer while celebrating with the US men’s hockey team during the Milan Winter Olympics.Another potential issue is the FBI’s handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Recently released messages showed Patel directing a senior aide to respond to anonymous social media accounts that mocked the bureau’s efforts.The hearing could also bring scrutiny of Patel’s push to expand cooperation with China and Russia on transnational crime. Reuters previously reported that critics have argued that closer law-enforcement ties with the two countries could pose national security risks.Patel has defended his record by pointing to falling violent crime levels across the US. He has appeared with President Donald Trump to promote the decline, although the reduction began before Trump’s second term.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.