FBI Director Discusses Changes in Hiring Policies Regarding Bestiality

Senator John Kennedy, R-La., questioned FBI Director Kash Patel on September 15, 2026, during an oversight hearing by the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding modifications to the agency's hiring qualifications, specifically concerning bestiality. Historically, the FBI had a policy that automatically disqualified individuals who had engaged in prostitution or bestiality from being hired. Patel explained that the updated policy allows applications from individuals who have been victims of these crimes to be considered. Previously, Patel noted, individuals involved in crimes such as prostitution, bestiality, and trafficking were automatically disqualified from employment. Kennedy inquired about the rationale behind this change, emphasizing the difficulty the agency faces in attracting new agents. He questioned the appropriateness of including bestiality in the hiring criteria. Patel responded that if an individual voluntarily engaged in bestiality, they should be disqualified, but noted that some individuals may be forced into such acts by traffickers. Patel was providing testimony during a hearing focused on the FBI, which has recently reported a decrease in crime rates nationwide.