Patel has clashed with most Democratic lawmakers over his steadfast support for President Donald Trump and his public backing of a number of far-right conspiracy theories over the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and the FBI 's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election.

FBI Director Kash Patel will testify on the 2026 White House budget before the House Committee on Appropriations at around 2 p.m. TRUMP LOOKS TO LAWSUITS AND JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO MUZZLE ‘FAKE NEWS’ The hearing is titled "A REVIEW OF THE PRESIDENT’S FISCAL YEAR 2026 BUDGET REQUEST FOR THEFEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION.