FBI Director Kash Patel Slams Senator for Bringing Up Reports of His Drinking

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FBI Director Kash Patel Slams Senator for Bringing Up Reports of His Drinking

Kash Patel to Senator I'm Not Drinking on the Job ... You Are!!!

By TMZ Staff

Published May 12, 2026 3:20 PM PDT

FBI Director Kash Patel Erupts After Senator Raises Alcohol Allegation

Kash Patel pulled out some schoolyard-level debate tactics on Tuesday when he was grilled about allegedly drinking on the job.

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KASH SPARKS A CLASH

Video: FBI Director Kash Patel Erupts After Senator Raises Alcohol Allegation

Kash Patel pulled out some schoolyard-level debate tactics on Tuesday when he was grilled about allegedly drinking on the job.

During a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing Tuesday, Democratic Senator from Maryland Chris Van Hollen raised concerns about reports of the FBI director's alleged excessive drinking.

Launch Gallery Kash Patel Through The Years Launch Gallery Getty

Patel tried to flip the script on Van Hollen ... talking over him, slamming him for meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia-- the Salvadoran man wrongfully deported by the U.S. government last year -- and accusing him of "slinging margaritas" and running up a $7K bar tab "on taxpayer dime."

Van Hollen was visibly fed up and -- when he was finally able to get a word in -- told Patel straight-up ... "The fact that you mentioned that indicates that you don't know what you are talking about."

Check out the video to see the whole thing play out.

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FBI Director Kash Patel Slams Senator for Bringing Up Reports of His Drinking

FBI Director Kash Patel Slams Senator for Bringing Up Reports of His Drinking

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FBI Director Kash Patel Slams Senator for Bringing Up Reports of His Drinking

Kash Patel to Senator I'm Not Drinking on the Job ... You Are!!!

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