A fiery exchange between Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and FBI Director Kash Patel occurred on Tuesday’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
The back-and-forth, which saw Booker predict Patel “won’t be around long” and Patel snap back in defense of his record, became one of the hearing’s most notable moments.
Booker, pressing Patel on a string of personnel decisions and high-profile investigations, accused the director of weakening the bureau and serving political interests over the Constitution.
Cory Booker tells Kash Patel, "I think you're not going to be around long," then a screaming match ensues. pic.twitter.com/QlNr6J1NbL
— Blue Georgia (@BlueATLGeorgia) September 16, 2025
“I think you’re not going to be around long,” Booker warned, telling Patel he believed President Donald Trump “will cut you loose” if Patel continues to “supplicate yourself to the will of Donald Trump and not the Constitution of the United States of America.”
Patel responded, calling Booker’s line of questioning “a rant of false information” and pushing back that such rhetoric does not help unify the country.
At one point, Patel declared, “It’s my time, not yours,” and defended his record on crime and enforcement while accusing critics of spreading misinformation. The two repeatedly talked over one another, with Booker visibly exasperated as the exchange escalated.
Democrats have criticized Patel for sweeping firings of long-tenured FBI officials and for moves they say politicize investigations.
The Justice Department has also faced lawsuits from several ousted FBI leaders who allege unconstitutional dismissals, a fact Booker highlighted as he pressed Patel about the bureau’s priorities and morale.
Patel, for his part, argued that his leadership has refocused the FBI on street crime, human trafficking, drugs, and immigration enforcement.
The hearing’s scope extended beyond personnel decisions.
Senators questioned Patel about his role in handling high-profile cases, including the recent investigation into the killing of a conservative activist and the bureau’s management of Epstein-related files, and asked whether his actions had eroded public trust.
Republicans largely defended Patel’s performance, saying his changes addressed failures and refocused the bureau on public safety.
Booker urged Patel to “defend your oath” and to prioritize the Constitution over political loyalties. Patel’s supporters pointed to recent arrests and enforcement actions as evidence of a stronger, more responsive FBI.
The hearing will continue to be closely watched in Washington. Patel faces further oversight hearings in both chambers of Congress, and his future at the bureau remains a matter of intense political debate.
