FBI Director Patel Rejects $545 Million Trump Budget Cut, Seeks $11.1 Billion at House Hearing

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Updated May 8, 2025, 06:12 AM

FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the House Appropriations Committee on May 7 at 2 p.m. ET regarding the agency’s budget for fiscal year 2026. The hearing focused on the White House’s so-called 'skinny budget,' which would reduce FBI funding by $545 million as part of President Donald Trump’s plan to cut $163 billion from non-defense discretionary spending.

Patel expressed strong opposition to the proposed cuts, warning that they would hinder the bureau’s core functions and result in a funding level roughly $1 billion short of the FBI's stated needs. He stated that the budget he put forward would require $11.1 billion and would not necessitate cutting any positions, while the White House’s proposal allocates $10.1 billion for salaries and expenses.

Patel highlighted the FBI’s fiscal stewardship, noting efforts to reallocate hundreds of positions from the National Capital Region to field offices nationwide to enhance investigative capacity. The proposed budget also includes reductions in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and overlapping intelligence programs. Patel said the FBI is working closely with the White House Office of Management and Budget and congressional appropriators to make its case for avoiding the steep cuts.

During the hearing, Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) questioned Patel on issues related to the alleged weaponization of the FBI and his past statements. Patel responded that he himself had been targeted by a 'weaponized FBI.'

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