Overview
- Patel, pressed Tuesday during a Senate budget hearing, rejected reports that he drinks on the job or is unreachable during work hours.
- He has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit over The Atlantic’s story that raised the alcohol and availability claims, and the magazine says it stands by its reporting.
- Following an April hack of his personal email claimed by the Handala Hack Team, the FBI confirmed personal data was exposed, said no government systems were hit, and posted a $10 million reward for tips.
- Democrats accused him of firing agents, probing journalists, and using resources for political payback, while he denied those charges and said leak reviews exist without him ordering polygraph tests.
- Republicans praised his record during the session, rumors about his possible removal continue to circulate, the White House has denied them, and he remains in charge of the FBI.