Kash Patel Refuses to Recuse Himself From Investigating Anyone on His ‘Enemies List’

FBI Director Kash Patel refused to recuse himself from any investigation involving people he previously identified as part of the “deep state” in a fiery exchange with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) where the pair each called “bulls**t” on each other.

At a Wednesday House hearing, things were immediately tense between Swalwell and Patel as the congressman pressed the FBI director on how many times President Donald Trump’s name appears in files related to convicted sex predator Jeffrey Epstein. Trump and Epstein were former friends. Patel has claimed he has released all “credible” information related to Epstein that he can, something Swalwell called “bulls**t.”

At the end of his time, Swalwell confronted Patel about his name appearing on an “enemies list” in Patel’s 2023 book “Government Gangsters.” Patel identifies Swalwell and others as part of the “deep state” in the country.

“You wrote a book called Government Gangsters. You identified 20 individuals in that book. You put me on that list at the top of the list. Thank you. My children find it flattering. 20 of those individuals have been investigated or have had adverse actions. Director, considering that you have identified these people as, quote, government gangsters, will you recuse yourself from making any investigation decisions about these individuals?” Swalwell asked Patel.

“Anyone that has been terminated at the FBI has been done so because they failed to meet the muster of their constitutional obligation,” Patel said, with Swalwell jumping in again to ask for a direct answer to his question.

Patel quickly lost it on Swalwell as he pressed forward.

“I’m going to borrow your terminology and call bullshit on your entire career in Congress,” Patel said. “It is a disgrace to the American people.”

Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan (R-OH) then stepped in as members complained Patel was personally insulting Swalwell, who managed to get an answer to his question.

“My question is, will you, Director, recuse yourself, yes or no, from investigating or making decisions about the 60 individuals, including myself, that you identified as government gangsters? Yes or no?” he asked.

“No,” Patel said.

Watch above via CSPAN.