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FBI Director Kash Patel Spars With Democrats Over 'Weaponization,' Stew Peters Ties, and $1 Billion Budget Request

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Updated May 9, 2025, 12:06 AM

FBI Director Kash Patel was questioned by Democratic lawmakers during congressional hearings regarding allegations that the FBI has been weaponized under his leadership. Representative Madeleine Dean (D-PA), a former Trump impeachment manager, cited Patel's book 'Government Gangsters' and raised concerns about an alleged 'enemies list,' as well as Patel's association with podcaster Stew Peters, noting that Patel appeared on Peters' podcast eight times. Dean also questioned Patel's truthfulness during his Senate confirmation hearing and accused him of having an 'eagerness to carry out the president's revenge tour.' Patel denied the existence of an 'enemies list' in his book and rejected the accusations of perjury, stating, 'We should worry more about your lack of candor. You’re accusing me of committing perjury. Tell the American people how I broke the law and committed a felony.' He asserted that he himself had been targeted by a 'weaponized FBI.' In a Senate hearing, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) questioned Patel about the suspension of FBI employees involved in the January 6th investigation and the placement of an analyst responsible for investigating Russia's 2016 election interference. Patel responded that no one was placed on leave without violating ethical obligations or the Constitution, and stated, 'I think the common theme is you putting words in my mouth, and I’m not going to tolerate it.' He added, 'If you want to talk about someone who was attacked by a weaponized bureau, you’re looking at him. And now he’s the Director of the FBI and he’s cleaning it up.' The hearings coincided with Patel's testimony before House and Senate committees on the FBI's 2026 budget. Patel, nominated 10 days into President Donald Trump's term, requested an additional $1 billion above the White House's $10.1 billion allocation, breaking with the administration's proposal to cut the FBI budget by over $500 million. Patel also defended the FBI's plan to relocate about 1,000 employees from Washington to other cities.

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Sources

washingtontimes.com(4)mediaite.com(2)abc7amarillo.com washingtonexaminer.com

ABC 7 Amarillo

@ABC7Amarillo

Tensions flared in Congress this week as Democrats and Republicans accused each other of weaponizing the government for political gain, with FBI director Kash Patel at the center of the debate. https://t.co/jNBf1occeQ

Benny Johnson

@bennyjohnson

Kash Patel humiliates Sen. Patty Murray for over a minute and a half straight after she falsely accuses him of weaponizing the FBI: Murray: “You have placed on leave FBI employees responsible for the investigation of January 6th. That sounds political to me.” Patel: “I have https://t.co/T73RxqBqRi

The Washington Times

@WashTimes

FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with Democrat Sen. Patty Murray over accusations of weaponizing bureau https://t.co/SaVLdvzhi0 https://t.co/zJBUBqNiMC