FBI Director Kash Patel Testifies Before Senate Judiciary Committee

<figure><img alt="Schiff questioned Patel about the alleged misuse of an FBI SWAT team to protect his girlfriend." src="https://thedailybeast-thedailybeast-prod.web.arc-cdn.net/resizer/v2/2YZNFGIFVNEIRFD5MUFELKZ5SA.png?auth=3f153eec371428f5918e32533aa09ad340bf4b559214316ccd995d6903ed65a9&amp;smart=true&amp;width=1318&amp;height=741" /><figcaption>C-SPAN3</figcaption></figure><p>FBI Director Kash Patel testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee on September 15, 2026, where he faced questioning from various senators, including California Senator Adam Schiff. Patel was asked about several issues, including an investigation into a Russian oligarch's payment for Donald Trump Jr.'s wedding and the potential deployment of federal agents to polling places during the upcoming midterm elections.</p><p>During the hearing, Patel expressed frustration with Schiff's inquiries, particularly regarding a report that he had assigned a SWAT team to protect his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins. Schiff referenced a New York Times article on the matter, which led to a heated exchange between the two.</p><p>Patel denied the allegations, stating, "Didn’t happen. Total lie," and attempted to have Chairman Chuck Grassley intervene. Schiff responded by suggesting that the questioning time needed to be extended due to Patel's interruptions.</p><p>Grassley, who is 92, attempted to maintain order by directing both Patel and Schiff to proceed with their questions. Patel accused Schiff of jeopardizing his safety and advancing a political narrative, requesting that the hearing be concluded early.</p><p>As the questioning continued, Schiff brought up allegations from an article in <i>The Atlantic</i> regarding Patel's drinking potentially affecting his work. Patel again denied the claims and mentioned he was pursuing legal action for defamation.</p><p>After Schiff's questioning concluded, Patel defended his record as FBI Director, asserting that he was the "hardest-working FBI director." The hearing highlighted the tensions between the Republican and Democratic members of the committee.</p>