In heated exchange, US senator tells FBI director 'you're not long for your job'

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) – A prominent Democratic US Senator on Tuesday engaged in a heated confrontation with controversial FBI Director Kash Patel during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, telling him he is not "long for your job.”

Cory Booker accused Patel of engaging in "generational destruction of the FBI" due to widespread personnel dismissals and weakened crime-fighting capabilities.

"Because of your failures of leadership, I don't think you're fit to lead the bureau. Here's the thing, Mr. Patel, I think you're not going to be around long."

Booker accused Patel of prioritizing loyalty to US President Donald Trump over his constitutional duties, warning: "Donald Trump has shown us in his first term, and in this term, he is not loyal to people like you. He will cut you loose."

“This may be the last time I have a hearing with you, because I don’t think you’re long for your job,” he said.

Patel responded forcefully, raising his voice and insisting that "it's my time" to talk.

"I'm honored to be the ninth director of the FBI. I'm not going anywhere," he said.

The confrontation escalated until Chuck Grassley, the Republican committee chairman, banged the gavel to restore order.

"I am not afraid of you," Booker told Patel.

Patel faced a backlash after the killing of right-wing conservative activist Charlie Kirk last week, with both Democrats and Republicans criticizing him for prematurely announcing a suspect was in custody.

Critics say Patel – who has no previous background with the FBI – is inexperienced in both law enforcement and in managing a vast bureaucracy as large as the bureau.

Reports that he has singled out agents involved in past investigations of Trump for indiscriminate firing – despite his pledge in confirmation hearings not to do so – are giving further fuel to his detractors.