Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) cast doubt on Sunday that FBI Director Kash Patel will actually undergo an alcohol use screening, following a contentious hearing where the senator pressed Patel on his drinking habits. Van Hollen's skepticism underscores the deepening partisan rift over the director's fitness for office.
Appearing on NBC News's Meet the Press, Van Hollen was asked by host Kristen Welker whether he believed Patel would take the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), a challenge the senator issued during last week's hearing. “He said in public testimony that he would do it. He’s also under oath automatically in the sense that lying to Congress is a crime,” Van Hollen replied. “My sense from Patel’s conduct overall is he may or may not do it, but I, unfortunately, won’t be able to believe the results, because in that hearing, he did lie several times.”
The exchange stems from a fiery confrontation last Wednesday, when Van Hollen shared his own AUDIT results on social media after Patel proposed they take the test “side by side.” Van Hollen posted his scores, writing, “Given all the lies he told yesterday, I imagine he’ll fudge the numbers here, but let’s see yours, Director Patel.”
Democrats have intensified calls for Patel to take the AUDIT following a report from The Atlantic alleging excessive drinking and episodes where staff had to force entry into his home due to incapacitation. During the hearing, Van Hollen bluntly told Patel, “When your private actions make it impossible for you to perform your public duties, we have a big problem. You cannot perform those public duties if you’re incapacitated.” He added that the reports, if true, “demonstrate a gross dereliction of your duty and a betrayal of public trust.”
The controversy adds to a series of recent incidents drawing scrutiny to Patel’s conduct. A Pearl Harbor snorkeling trip raised eyebrows, and House Democrats mocked his personalized bourbon, citing security risks. Patel has also faced questions over the bureau’s $12.5 billion budget request amid the drinking allegations.
Patel, during the hearing, committed to taking the AUDIT, but Van Hollen’s comments suggest a lack of confidence in that promise. The FBI has not commented on the matter. The Hill has reached out for further response.
