House judiciary Democrats have launched an investigation into FBI Director Kash Patel’s alleged drinking habits. They are asking him to submit to an alcohol assessment and provide the results to Congress.
In a letter led by Maryland Representative Jamie Raskin, the committee requested that Patel complete the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). This is a 10-question tool from the World Health Organization that helps identify unhealthy drinking patterns. They are also asking for all security clearance forms Patel has filled out since starting his role.
The letter points to behaviors that Democrats claim could threaten national security. They allege that Patel’s drinking has delayed vital decisions, including those related to terrorism-related warrants. There are concerns that his conduct has also hindered crucial investigations, such as those tied to a mass shooting at Brown University and the hunt for the assassin of Charlie Kirk.
“The signs of problematic alcohol use would be surprising in any FBI agent; seeing it in the FBI Director is alarming,” the letter stated.
Patel has recently faced scrutiny for a trip to Milan where he celebrated with the U.S. men’s hockey team after they won gold in the Winter Olympics. He was seen drinking beer with the players in their locker room.
The AUDIT questions range from how often someone drinks to whether they’ve needed a morning drink. A score of eight or higher indicates risky drinking behavior.
The pressure on Patel is also visible in the Senate. Senator Dick Durbin called for his removal, arguing that he has misused the FBI for personal interests.
Adding to the scrutiny, a recent investigation by The Atlantic highlighted ongoing concerns about Patel’s drinking habits, citing conversations with numerous current and former FBI staff. It reported that at least once, his security team struggled to wake him when he seemed intoxicated and that agents had to forcefully enter a room where he was unresponsive.
In response to the allegations, Patel has strongly denied any wrongdoing and even filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic. At a press conference, he stated, “I’ve never been intoxicated on the job.” He emphasized his dedication to his work and presented himself as an ordinary American who loves his country and sports.
Democrats are urging House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan to compel Patel to testify under oath if he doesn’t comply with their requests soon. They believe the public deserves to hear directly from him about the situation and assess whether his leadership at the FBI is a security risk.
The scrutiny around Patel reflects broader concerns about leadership accountability within key governmental roles, especially in agencies tasked with national security. This situation highlights the significant impact that behaviors in high office can have on public trust and national safety.
