FBI Director Kash Patel clashed with Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) on Tuesday over accusations that the federal law enforcement chief has a drinking problem.
At a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Van Hollen bombarded Patel with questions about his alleged drinking habits and whether he abused government funds for personal travel.
“Director Patel, these reports about your conduct, including reports of your being so drunk and hungover that your staff had to force entry into your home, are extremely alarming,” Van Hollen said.
The Democrat appeared to be referencing allegations published by The Atlantic, which Patel called a “malicious and defamatory hit piece.” Patel has also filed a $250 million lawsuit against the publication, as previously reported by The Daily Wire.
The story portrayed an absent FBI chief struggling with substance abuse, which is said to be affecting key investigations, including the murder of Charlie Kirk.
“So, there have been no occasions when your security detail had difficulty waking or locating you?” Van Hollen asked Patel.
“Nope, it’s a total farce. I don’t even know where you get this stuff, but it doesn’t make it credible, because you say so,” Patel fired back.
“I’m not saying it,” Van Hollen said, citing news reports.
“You are literally saying it,” Patel responded.
“The only person that was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang-banging rapist was you… the only individual in this room that has been drinking on taxpayers’ dime during the day is you,” Patel said, referencing Van Hollen’s infamous photo-op with Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal immigrant and alleged MS-13 gang member.
.@FBIDirectorKash COOKS @ChrisVanHollen: “The only person that was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang-banging rapist was you… the only individual in this room that has been drinking on taxpayer dime during the day is YOU.” pic.twitter.com/UPtB9jL7pv
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) May 12, 2026
Van Hollen rejected Patel’s “blow up,” saying the FBI chief made “provably false statements.”
The heated confrontation escalated further, with both men challenging each other to take sobriety tests.
“Are you willing to take the test … it’s called the audit test that members of our active duty military and others take to determine whether they have a drinking problem?” the Democratic senator asked.
“I’ll take any tests you’re willing to take,” Patel fired back.
“I will take it. Director Patel, I’ll take it,” Van Hollen said. “You’re ready to take it?”
“Let’s go, side-by-side,” Patel shot back.
FBI Director Kash Patel blows up at Senator Van Hollen as Van Hollen asks him about allegations in reporting from The Atlantic:
The only person that was slinging margaritas in El Salvador and the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang banging rapist was you. pic.twitter.com/vGxnqzP66M
— Acyn (@Acyn) May 12, 2026
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