FBI Director Kash Patel told a Senate panel on Tuesday that investigators found “no credible evidence” Jeffrey Epstein trafficked women or underage girls to anyone besides himself, pushing back against criticism of the Trump administration’s decision to close its review of the case. Patel explained that the FBI’s files on Epstein were limited because a Florida prosecutor had improperly restricted the scope of an investigation nearly two decades ago. The Justice Department’s move in July not to release additional material angered many of Donald Trump’s supporters, who expected disclosures linking Epstein to other wealthy and powerful figures.

The hearing quickly turned contentious as Patel clashed with the Senate Judiciary Committee over unrelated issues, including the FBI’s handling of the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and the dismissal of veteran bureau officials. Critics argued the firings were politically motivated. Patel also faced scrutiny after he inaccurately announced on social media that Kirk’s killer had been arrested. The FBI later clarified two people had been questioned and released before the actual suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson, was taken into custody. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) accused Patel of damaging the FBI’s credibility, saying his actions put national security at risk. Despite the criticism, Patel defended his leadership, pointing to increases in violent crime arrests and firearm seizures under his tenure. Referring to himself and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, Patel said: “I’m not going anywhere.”

Two recently fired FBI agents released statements ahead of the hearing, condemning their removals and emphasizing their loyalty to the Constitution over politics. In addition, three former senior officials filed a lawsuit last week alleging they were ousted for not showing sufficient loyalty to Trump. They claim Patel privately admitted that his position depended on removing officials connected to investigations into the former president. Patel dismissed those allegations, insisting that any employees who were dismissed “failed to meet the needs of the FBI and uphold their constitutional duties.”

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