‘Only Person Slinging Margaritas...’: Kash Patel, Democratic Senators Trade Barbs During Congress Hearing

Last Updated:May 14, 2026, 10:13 IST

The heated exchange took place when Patel appeared before Congress to defend the Trump administration’s proposed $12.5 billion budget for the FBI for 2027.

Kash Patel Grilled: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) director Kash Patel on Tuesday (local time) clashed with Democrat lawmakers during a tense Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing after he was grilled over allegations of his “excessive drinking", “erratic behaviour" and “misuse of government resources".

The heated exchange took place when Patel appeared before Congress to defend the Trump administration’s proposed $12.5 billion budget for the FBI for 2027.

Democrats cited a report from last month’s The Atlantic magazine, which alleged that episodes of “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences" had alarmed officials within the FBI and the Justice Department.

Senator Chris Van Hollen told the hearing that the allegations were “extremely alarming" and, if true, would represent “a gross dereliction" of duty and a betrayal of public trust. Hollen also referenced claims that Patel had at times been “so drunk and so hungover" that staff members allegedly had to force entry into his home.

“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. If true, they demonstrate a gross dereliction of your duty and a betrayal of public trust," Hollen questioned Patel.

It was Patel’s first appearance before Congress since his beer-drinking celebration at the Milan Winter Olympics and the publication of an article in the Atlantic magazine drew renewed scrutiny to his tenure.

Meanwhile, Patel strongly denied the accusations, calling the report a “total farce" and insisting he would not be “tarnished by baseless allegations."

“I will not be tarnished by baseless allegations," Patel defended. The FBI director has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and the reporter who wrote the article. The magazine has said it stands by its reporting.

“The only person that was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gangbanging rapist was you," Patel told the senator, alleging Van Hollen had used public funds on alcohol during the trip.

Hollen rejected the accusation as “provably false," saying the dinner cited by Patel was attended by dozens of people and not paid for with taxpayer money. Photos from the meeting had shown cocktail glasses on the table, though Van Hollen later said the drinks had been placed there by Salvadoran officials.

At one point, Hollen challenged Patel to undergo an alcohol dependency test similar to those used in the military. Patel immediately responded, “I’ll take any test you’re willing to. Let’s go. Side by side."

The hearing also touched on Patel’s recent visit to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, where he was seen celebrating with the gold medal-winning US men’s hockey team. Patel defended the trip, saying it was connected to efforts to bring a suspected Chinese cybercriminal from Italy to the United States.

Other Democrats criticised Patel over reported use of FBI aircraft and spending priorities. Senator Patty Murray mocked Patel’s conduct, saying, “If you want to pass out liquor or pop bottles in a locker room, stick to podcasting."

(With inputs from agencies)

News world ‘Only Person Slinging Margaritas...’: Kash Patel, Democratic Senators Trade Barbs During Congress Hearing

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