Kash Patel, a former official in the Trump administration and a candidate for the position of FBI director, engaged in a contentious exchange with Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) during a Senate confirmation hearing on Thursday. Schiff, known for his opposition to Trump, sought to challenge Patel regarding a song created by January 6 inmates that features President Donald Trump reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
Patel responded resolutely, stating, “Senator, what I said was I didn’t do the recording.” Schiff then sought to expose a contradiction by playing a segment from Patel’s appearance on Steve Bannon’s podcast.
“If you had nothing to do with it, Mr. Patel, why did you tell Steve Bannon and all his listeners that you did?” Schiff challenged, alluding to Patel’s comments about the song’s production.
Patel remained calm, clarifying, “That’s why it says ‘we’ as you highlighted.” Schiff persisted, attempting to emphasize Patel’s inclusion in the term. “Yeah, and you’re part of the ‘we,’ right? When you say ‘we,’ that includes you, doesn’t it, Mr. Patel?”
“Not in every instance,” Patel replied, resisting Schiff’s attempts to misinterpret his statements.
Clearly frustrated, Schiff sought to make an issue of Patel’s choice of words. “Well, that’s new. So when you said ‘we,’ you didn’t really mean you. Is that your testimony?”
Patel, undeterred, countered, “Not unless you have a new definition for the word ‘we.’” Schiff continued his line of questioning, shifting focus to Patel’s promotion of the song, which had achieved significant success on the Billboard charts.
Schiff subsequently accused Patel of extensively endorsing the January 6 choir’s song and questioned whether he had conducted due diligence on those involved prior to offering his support. Patel responded by emphasizing his commitment to fundraising for families in need and reiterated that he did not personally participate in the recording of the song.
Schiff intensified the confrontation by highlighting the presence of Capitol Police officers in the room, insisting that Patel recognize them and explain his backing of individuals found guilty of assaulting law enforcement. Patel categorically dismissed Schiff’s allegations, labeling them as false, and underscored his longstanding support for law enforcement while asserting that he did not gain financially from the initiative.
Despite Schiff’s attempts to dominate the discussion, it was evident that Patel remained composed, while it was Schiff who appeared unsettled.
As the hearing concluded, the committee chair introduced letters from law enforcement organizations into the official record, demonstrating significant backing for Patel’s nomination from groups representing over 300,000 officers.
During his testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Patel also attributed the security lapses on January 6 to Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer. The former chief of staff at the Department of Defense noted that the DOD had made preparations for National Guard troops ahead of time, but requests for additional assistance were turned down by Pelosi and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
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