In a surprising about-face, FBI Director Kash Patel has expressed support for a $545 million budget cut to the FBI, just one day after publicly stating that the bureau needed $1 billion more than what the White House had proposed.
Speaking before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, Patel shifted his tone dramatically. “We will make the mission work on whatever budget we’re given,” he told lawmakers, signaling alignment with President Donald Trump’s efforts to reduce federal spending.
This statement comes after his Wednesday testimony to the House of Representatives, where he voiced concern about the bureau’s funding. At that hearing, Patel made a rare public appeal for more resources, saying the FBI could significantly enhance its operations with additional funding.
However, the tone was markedly different during Thursday’s Senate session. “As the head of the FBI, I was simply asking for more funds because I can do more with more money,” Patel said. “But I accept the current budget proposal and will work within it to fulfill our mission.”
The White House’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 includes a sweeping $163 billion reduction in federal spending. Within this, the FBI faces a sharp $545 million cut. The proposal has triggered bipartisan concern among lawmakers who fear such reductions could weaken the FBI’s ability to combat violent crime and national security threats.
Republican Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas voiced strong opposition to the cut, warning it could lead to the elimination of vacant roles and strain the FBI’s operations. “I’m concerned that the scale of the proposed reduction could force the FBI to eliminate vacant positions and leave others unfilled,” he said.
Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers criticized Patel for arriving at the hearing without a detailed FBI budget request. Senator Patty Murray of Washington labeled the lack of specifics “insufficient and deeply disturbing.” She also criticized the delay in submitting a formal proposal, stating, “We are now having a budget hearing without a budget request.”
The budget blueprint released last week offers limited insight into what areas would see reductions. However, it targets programs introduced under former President Joe Biden, including diversity initiatives and certain intelligence operations.
The proposal also echoes long-standing claims by Trump and his allies that the FBI has been “weaponized” against conservatives — allegations stemming from investigations into the Capitol riot and Russian election interference.
Patel acknowledged ongoing coordination with the Justice Department and the White House budget office to finalize the bureau’s financial plans.
As debates continue on Capitol Hill, the FBI finds itself at the center of both political and operational scrutiny — navigating calls for fiscal discipline while maintaining its mission to protect the nation.
