Kash Patel Reacts Strongly to Eric Swalwell in Intense Hearing Debate

FBI Director Confronted Over Epstein Questions

On Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel expressed frustration during a hearing when California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell pressed him about Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased convicted sex offender, and the alleged misuse of government authority.

In a conversation with NBC News’ Harry Jackson on September 3, one of Epstein’s victims claimed they were unaware of any inappropriate actions involving President Donald Trump connected to Epstein. Despite this, Swalwell persistently questioned Patel in the House Judiciary Committee about Trump’s association with Epstein, specifically when Patel had notified Attorney General Pam Bondy regarding Trump’s name appearing in Epstein’s records.

“Did you inform the Attorney General that Donald Trump’s name is in Epstein’s file? Yes or no?” Swalwell asked, deliberately.

Patel responded with sarcasm, saying, “If you’re going to laugh at me, why not try spelling it out? Would you like to use the alphabet?” He followed up with a string of letters, highlighting his annoyance.

Swalwell insinuated that Patel was hesitant to provide a clear answer and pressed on. “Why not serve your district by focusing on reducing violent crime and the number of pedophiles in California’s sanctuary cities?” Patel countered, suggesting they work together on these pressing issues.

Despite the back-and-forth, Swalwell repeated his inquiry. Patel maintained, “The questions were asked and answered.” Swalwell, in response, claimed that Patel’s evasion indicated guilt.

Later, Swalwell queried Patel about whether he would recuse himself from an investigation involving individuals mentioned in his book “Government Gangsters.” Patel retorted, “I’m going to borrow your terminology and call bullshit on your entire career in Congress. It was a dishonorable thing for Americans.” Ultimately, Patel indicated he would not step aside from the investigation.

During a Senate Judiciary Committee session the previous day, Patel also heard Republican Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy assert that there was no credible evidence that Epstein had trafficked women to other individuals.

Patel noted that while they had limited information, any claim of trafficking should be taken seriously. Additionally, Gislaine Maxwell, a former associate of Epstein, told Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche in July that she had never seen Trump in inappropriate situations, claiming he was a “gentleman in every respect.”