FBI Director Kash Patel faced a heated Senate hearing on September 16, 2025, defending his record amid accusations of politicizing the agency and targeting Trump critics.

Republicans backed him, while Democrats criticized the firings of experienced agents and claimed he undermined the FBI’s integrity.

Patel highlighted arrests of violent criminals, weapons seizures, and child predator apprehensions, while defending his handling of the Charlie Kirk case despite social media confusion.

He denied White House interference or having an “enemies list.” The hearing came amid ongoing investigations into the Kirk and concerns over political violence in the U.S.