Kash Patel, President Donald Trump s nomination for director of the FBI, was at the center of a tense and highly charged Senate hearing Thursday in which he defended his calls for significant reform

"Mr. Patel has precisely the qualifications we need at this time when the FBI is not being respected by our public," Grassley said in his opening statements.

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s pick to lead the FBI, faces what could be a contentious confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, with questions expected over his experience level, brash rhetoric and concerns he would deploy the bureau to target the president’s foes.