Columbia Standard

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin has requested documents related to alleged misconduct by Kash Patel, the nominee for Director of the FBI. Durbin's letter was addressed to the FBI, Department of Defense, State Department, and Department of Treasury. The request follows allegations that Patel improperly commented on a hostage recovery mission involving two Americans held by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen.

Durbin stated, “I have recently received highly credible information revealing that while serving in the first Trump Administration’s National Security Council, Kash Patel broke protocol regarding hostage rescues by publicly commenting without authorization on the then in-progress retrieval of two Americans held captive by Iranian-backed militants in Yemen in October 2020.”

The Wall Street Journal published comments from Patel about the hostage swap before the hostages were confirmed to be safe. This incident occurred despite protocols established by the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell to ensure safety and privacy during such operations.

Durbin's letter further alleges that Patel had no official role in planning or executing the rescue mission and violated communication protocols which specified no public comment until after recovery completion and family notification.

Patel's nomination is under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Durbin emphasized that evaluating a nominee's character and fitness is crucial when considering presidential appointments, especially given this is not the first time Patel allegedly breached protocol.

In addition to requesting documents from relevant agencies, Durbin seeks specific communications between Patel and the Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell concerning the rescue mission.

In 2020, Patel was also accused of incorrectly providing foreign airspace approval during another rescue operation.

The requested materials are expected by January 30, ahead of Patel’s confirmation hearing.