Durbin Questions Kash Patel on FBI Polygraph Exams and Loyalty

FBI Polygraph Exams and Loyalty

• 🎯 Senator Durbin questioned Director Kash Patel regarding reports of approximately 40 FBI officials being subjected to polygraph exams.
• ❓ The exams reportedly included questions about whether individuals had made negative comments about Director Patel.
• ⚖️ Durbin emphasized that FBI agents pledge loyalty to the Constitution of the United States, not to any individual.

Director Patel's Response to Allegations

• 🚫 Director Patel stated he was unaware of the specific reports Durbin referenced and rejected any reporting containing false information.
• 🔒 He affirmed that polygraphs have historically been used at the FBI to identify individuals leaking sensitive information and unauthorized disclosures to the media.
• 🤫 Patel declined to discuss specific personnel matters or polygraph results, citing privacy and ongoing investigations.

Waivers and Memory

• ❓ When asked if any individuals received waivers after disqualifying polygraph alerts, Patel stated he would need to get back to the committee.
• 🤦 Durbin expressed surprise at Patel's lack of recollection, stating, "You don't remember that?"
• 🇺🇸 Patel reiterated his priority is protecting the American public, not delving into the specifics of polygraphs.

FBI's Work and Crime Rates

• 👏 Patel highlighted the good work of the FBI, citing a reduction in crime rates, including a 30% reduction in Chicago's murder rate.
• 🤝 He emphasized the importance of inter-agency partnerships with state and local law enforcement as a pillar of his work.
• 🏢 For the first time in FBI history, Patel has placed police officers and sheriffs on the seventh floor to gather real-time street-level information.