FBI Director Kash Patel told lawmakers that the White House’s 2026 budget proposal would severely damage the bureau’s ability to operate as planned. The proposal includes a funding cut of more than $500 million, which would return spending to levels seen over a decade ago. Patel said the FBI cannot perform its mission with that budget and asked for support for an $11.1 billion package to maintain staffing and priorities.

He was pressed by Democrats on how he would adjust operations if the budget is passed, but he said the focus was on avoiding the cuts entirely. Patel added that the proposed budget did not come from the FBI but from the White House, which framed the cuts as a way to reduce non-law enforcement functions.

Patel Clashes with Lawmakers over FBI’s Role and Funding

The Director Defended His Effort To Relocate Around 1000 FBI Agents To Cities Facing High Rates Of Violent Crime Which He Said Was Based On Careful Planning. He Rejected The Idea That Agents Were Being Moved Randomly And Emphasized That Crime Hotspots Were Driving The Change. During Heated Exchanges With Democratic Lawmakers Patel Denied Claims That The FBI Had Been Politicized Or Used For Revenge.

“We Can’t Do The Mission On Those 2011 Budget Levels,” Patel Told The Committee In A Firm Appeal For Support.

Rep. Madeleine Dean Challenged Patel Over A Book He Authored Which She Claimed Included A List Of Trump Critics That Could Be Used As An Enemies List. Patel Replied That The Individuals Listed Had Violated Their Duties To The American People And That The Book Was Not Political.

His Testimony Signals Growing Tension Between Trump’s Administration And Federal Agencies Facing Deep Cuts While Crime Remains A Top National Concern.