FBI Director Kash Patel and Sen. Chris Van Hollen turned a Senate hearing into an all-out political slugfest Tuesday, trading accusations of drunkenness, misconduct, and taxpayer-funded “margaritas” in one of the chamber’s most explosive exchanges this year.
The fireworks erupted during a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing when Van Hollen confronted Patel over allegations published by The Atlantic claiming the FBI chief engaged in “erratic” behavior, excessive drinking, and unexplained absences from duty.
Patel has fiercely denied the allegations published by The Atlantic, calling the report “unequivocally, categorically false.” He has since filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the outlet, which says it stands by its reporting.
“When your private actions make it impossible for you to perform your public duties, we have a big problem,” Van Hollen said.
“And Director Patel, these reports about your conduct, including reports of your being so drunk and hungover that your staff had to force entry into your home are extremely alarming. If true, they demonstrate a gross dereliction of your duty and a betrayal of public trust,” the Maryland Democrat added.
Patel fired back immediately — and personally.
“The only person who was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang banging rapist was you,” Patel shot back, referencing Van Hollen’s controversial 2025 trip to El Salvador to meet deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Van Hollen quickly denied the accusation.
“The fact that you mentioned that indicates you don’t know what you are talking about,” the senator replied.
At the center of the clash is Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a migrant deported to El Salvador’s ultra-secure CECOT prison over alleged MS-13 ties. Images from Van Hollen’s 2025 visit showing the senator seated with Abrego Garcia at a table with drinks became instant political ammunition for Republicans and conservatives online.
Van Hollen has repeatedly insisted the photos were staged by Salvadoran officials and said no alcohol was consumed during the meeting.
NEW: Senator Chris Van Hollen's questioning of FBI Director Kash Patel completely backfires after he asked Patel about allegations of his drinking habits.
Van Hollen: "Multiple reports have alleged episodes of excessive drinking…"
Patel: "The only person that was slinging… pic.twitter.com/a0Wl2ODwRj
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) May 12, 2026
Patel later amplified the clash online, posting “Fact check @ChrisVanHollen” alongside proof that Van Hollen had run up a $7000 bar tab.
Fact check @ChrisVanHollen ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/mFMW04Rsso
— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) May 12, 2026
More over at The New York Post:
FBI's Kash Patel blasts Dem for having 'margaritas' with alleged 'gang-banging rapist' https://t.co/F2rxgkNRup pic.twitter.com/iKN3GJHAG4
— New York Post (@nypost) May 12, 2026
