FBI Director Kash Patel is scheduled to testify before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, marking the second day of intense questioning by lawmakers regarding his management of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
This follows his appearance on Tuesday before the Senate Judiciary Committee, where Patel defended his seven-month leadership of the FBI against Democratic criticisms.
The Epstein case, involving the late financier and convicted sex offender who died by suicide in 2019 while facing sex trafficking charges, has drawn significant scrutiny to the Department of Justice's decisions.
In July, the department concluded its review of Epstein-related investigative files and opted not to release additional documents, a move that disappointed many supporters of President Donald Trump who anticipated revelations implicating other influential figures.
Patel informed the Senate panel that the FBI possesses limited evidence due to the narrow scope of a federal probe conducted two decades ago, and he stated there is no information supporting claims of broader involvement by powerful individuals.
The decision has created a notable divide within Trump's political base, with the president, a former associate of Epstein, urging supporters to disregard the matter as a Democratic fabrication.
Prior to his nomination, Patel had amplified Epstein-related claims on conservative podcasts, heightening expectations for transparency.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department has started providing records to the House Oversight Committee in response to a subpoena for Epstein materials.
House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan praised Patel's focus on law enforcement priorities, contrasting it with what he described as the previous administration's misuse of the agency.
In contrast, Ranking Member Jamie Raskin emphasized the need for accountability in the Epstein matter.
Patel's Senate testimony also addressed the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, confirming an ongoing FBI probe into potential accomplices linked to messages posted by the alleged shooter on Discord.
The 22-year-old suspect, Tyler Robinson, had shared admissions in a private group chat prior to the incident at UVU.
Patel noted that several individuals are under investigation related to that communication.