Overview

• Speaking to reporters after a Senate Judiciary hearing, Patel touted recruiting gains and recent enforcement results, declaring he is proud to lead the bureau.
• Patel acknowledged his misworded social media post that initially suggested Charlie Kirk’s killer was in custody, saying he acted for transparency and would phrase it differently.
• A photographed handwritten note on FBI-branded stationery with lines such as “Good fight with Swalwell” and “Hold the line” went viral, drawing widespread online mockery.
• During House and Senate grillings, Democrats pressed Patel on Epstein-related records, mass firings and fitness policies as he clashed with lawmakers including Eric Swalwell, Mazie Hirono and Cory Booker.
• Conservative commentators, including Chris Rufo, questioned Patel’s competence, even as coverage indicates he retains support from President Trump.