FBI Director Kash Patel spar over drinking allegations in hearing with Sen. Chris Van Hollen

On 2026-05-12, FBI Director Kash Patel criticized Senator Chris Van Hollen during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing in Washington, D.C. Patel rejected questions about allegations of excessive drinking and answered with a public counterattack, including accusing Van Hollen of meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia. The exchange was part of the hearing and became a public verbal clash.