WATCH: Blumenthal grills FBI Director Kash Patel on firing Iran specialists days before U.S. launched war

Senator Richard Blumenthal questioned FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the dismissal of twelve agents and staff from a counterintelligence unit focused on monitoring threats from Iran. These firings occurred shortly before the U.S. launched an attack against the country. During the hearing, Patel defended his actions despite sharp questioning from senators. Patel's leadership has faced scrutiny from both Democrats and Republicans, particularly concerning his decision to gut career staff within the FBI organization.