Former President Trump's nominee for FBI Director, Kash Patel, faced intense scrutiny during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The hearing saw heated exchanges between Patel and Democratic senators on a range of contentious issues.

Key Conflicts:

Transparency of Grand Jury Testimony: Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) criticized Patel's refusal to disclose his grand jury testimony related to the investigation into Trump's handling of classified documents. Blumenthal argued that this lack of transparency created the impression that Patel had something to conceal, potentially disqualifying him for the position.

Kash Patel testifying before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Presidential Pardons for January 6th Rioters: Senator Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) questioned Patel about the safety implications of Trump's pardons for individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot. Patel responded by drawing a parallel to President Biden's commutation of Leonard Peltier's sentence, convicted of murdering two FBI agents, arguing that both actions raised safety concerns.

Scene from the January 6th Capitol riot. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

Promotion of "Justice for All" Song: Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) challenged Patel's promotion of the song "Justice for All," recorded by a group of incarcerated January 6th rioters. Schiff condemned Patel for profiting from individuals who assaulted Capitol Police officers and urged him to acknowledge the officers present at the hearing. Patel declined to directly address the officers.

Exchange between Senator Schiff and Kash Patel. (AP | Getty)

Declassification of Documents at Mar-a-Lago: Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) pressed Patel about Trump's handling and potential declassification of documents after leaving office. Booker's questioning escalated as he repeatedly asked Patel if he had witnessed such actions and whether he had lied for the president. Patel denied lying for Trump and asserted that he did not know if the documents he observed at Mar-a-Lago were part of the special counsel investigation.

Senator Cory Booker questioning Patel. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call via Getty Images/File)