- FBI Director Kash Patel defended updated agency hiring practices during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing following intense questioning from lawmakers.
- Patel clarified that revised policies regarding bestiality are designed to protect human trafficking victims forced into such acts, asserting voluntary offenders remain disqualified.
- The hiring policy changes come amid an apparent staffing crisis at the bureau, which lost more than 1,000 special agents in 2025 following a purge of staff.
- Lawmakers, including Republican Senator John Kennedy, criticized the policy language and raised concerns about the impact on the agency's credibility.
- Patel also faced scrutiny regarding Congressional investigations into his alleged misuse of taxpayer funds for luxury travel and personal perks.
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