FBI Director Kash Patel faced a fiery Senate Judiciary Committee hearing as Democratic senators challenged him over the bureau’s political independence, alleged “weaponisation” of law enforcement and investigations involving President Donald Trump. Patel clashed with Senator Peter Welch during a heated exchange over election interference and his defamation lawsuits against media outlets. Senator Richard Blumenthal separately questioned Patel about allegations involving Russian businessman Umar Kremlev and celebrations connected to Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding. Patel rejected claims that public reporting should determine FBI action and defended the bureau’s counterintelligence record. The tense hearing highlighted growing political divisions over the FBI and its leadership.
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