On Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel clashed with a Democrat lawmaker who pressed him on whether the bureau should investigate the leak of a Signal group chat in which Trump administration officials discussed plans for airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
The question about the Signal conversation came up during a hearing before the House Intelligence Committee on “worldwide threats,” in which Patel testified alongside Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
“Do you believe that it is now time, potentially, for the FBI to open an investigation into this?” Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) asked.
Without a moment’s hesitation, Patel replied, “I’m not going to comment on that.”
Houlahan shot back, “Because you’re the director of the FBI, you don’t believe it’s appropriate to comment on that?”
With his answer, Patel noted there are ongoing responses to the Signal controversy. He alluded to a lawsuit filed by American Oversight, an organization that claims the Trump administration officials involved in the Signal chat violated the Federal Records Act.
“Because there’s a process in place,” Patel said. “There’s ongoing litigation. The National Security Council is reviewing this matter, and I’m not going to discuss any open or closed investigations.”
In response, Houlahan said, “That ongoing investigation literally — the lawsuit happened today or yesterday afternoon, and the idea that you don’t have an opinion on this at this point is frustrating to me.”
Patel retorted, “No, it’s not.” As Houlahan attempted to cut him off, he added, “I’m not going to prejudge any matter, and the men and women of the FBI will call the balls and strikes. Not you.”
Houlahan repeatedly said, to no avail, that she was “reclaiming my time” as she tried to ask one “final question.” When Patel finished his statement, she appealed to House Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford (R-AR) for backup.
“The Gentlewoman is recognized,” declared Crawford, who then said, “You have four seconds remaining.”
Houlahan insisted, “No! I have more than that.”
But Crawford did not heed the Democrat’s words, observing, “You have two seconds remaining.”
Houlahan kept going, arguing that she deserved more time because Patel “would not acknowledge me.”
It ended there as Crawford slammed his gavel and announced “the Gentlewoman’s time has expired” before moving on to another member to ask questions of the witnesses.
