A heated confrontation erupted during a House Appropriations Committee hearing on Wednesday as FBI Director Kash Patel faced sharp and personal questions from Democratic Congresswoman Madeleine Dean.
The hearing was meant to review the 2026 federal budget proposal for the FBI, but it quickly turned into a political showdown.
Impeachment Manager Grills FBI Director Over Alleged Targeting
Rep. Dean, known for her role as a House impeachment manager during Donald Trump’s second impeachment trial, used her time to question Patel’s integrity and accuse him of political bias.
“I served as an impeachment manager. It was a solemn duty,” Dean said. “As you and the former president continue to target perceived enemies, should I expect the FBI at my door?”
Kash Patel Responds to Political Accusations
Patel, remaining calm under pressure, pushed back against what he called a “political stunt.”
“If you’re wondering who has actually been targeted by a weaponized FBI, you’re looking at him,” Patel replied. “Ask yourself why that happened—and what I’m doing to prevent it from happening again.”
When Dean accused him of using his book Government Gangsters to go after political opponents, Patel defended the work.
“There are no hit lists in that book,” he said. “It calls out public officials who failed to uphold the Constitution. Maybe your constituents would benefit from reading it.”
Dean replied, “I won’t be doing that.”
Patel answered bluntly: “That’s their loss.”
Perjury Allegations and Memory Attacks
The exchange intensified when Dean accused Patel of lying under oath and mocked his memory.
“You denied involvement in the firing of FBI officials linked to the January 6 investigation,” she said. “Yet whistleblowers say otherwise. You also claimed not to know Stew Peters—an antisemitic conspiracy theorist—even though you appeared on his podcast multiple times.”
She then asked, “Should we be more concerned about your memory or your honesty?”
Patel Fires Back With Strong Rebuttal
Patel didn’t hold back in his response.
“What we should be concerned about is your lack of honesty,” he said. “You’ve accused me of committing perjury. So tell the American people exactly how I broke the law.”
“Stop twisting facts for a 20-second soundbite and a donation boost,” he added. “If you’re going to make accusations, back them up with evidence.”
💥🔥Kash Patel to former Trump impeachment manager Dem Rep. Madeleine Dean:
— Melissa Hallman (@dotconnectinga) May 7, 2025
"You want to know who was targeted by a weaponized FBI? Me!… We should worry more about your lack of candor. You're accusing me of committing perjury. Tell the American people how I broke the law and… pic.twitter.com/YlxaBBbEdR
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