‘You have been so drunk’: Democrat senator takes on Kash Patel over alcoholism test, FBI hiring rules

Sen. Mazie Hirono confronted FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate hearing on Tuesday, accusing him of being drunk on the job and demanding answers about his conduct and the bureau’s hiring policies.The sharp exchange took place during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing at the Hart Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.Hirono questioned Patel over changes to FBI hiring rules that removed bestiality from the list of conduct that automatically disqualifies applicants. She also challenged the bureau’s decision to allow people with a history of theft to become FBI employees, questioning how that policy fits with the agency’s responsibility to investigate theft.The Hawaii Democrat then turned directly to allegations about Patel’s drinking, claiming that he had been so intoxicated that briefings had to be rescheduled so he could sleep it off.Hirono also referred to a previous Senate Appropriations Committee hearing few months ago, when Sen. Chris Van Hollen challenged Patel to take an alcoholism test. According to Hirono, Patel agreed to take the test, while Van Hollen later made his own results public.“We are still awaiting you posting your results of your test,” Hirono said.The confrontation came as Patel faced senators for his first appearance before the Senate since May. The Judiciary Committee hearing was focused on oversight of the FBI, including Patel’s leadership, the bureau’s use of taxpayer-funded resources and investigations connected to the 2020 presidential election.Democrats were expected to question Patel over several controversies surrounding his tenure, including allegations concerning his conduct and scrutiny of FBI spending.Catch the latest World News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.