A criminal who received a preemptive pardon from former President Joe Biden criticized Kash Patel, President Trump's nominee for FBI director, for choosing to invoke his right against self-incrimination during a recent hearing. Senator Adam Schiff suggested that Patel might be the first FBI director nominee to plead the Fifth Amendment, indicating a lack of confidence in Patel's suitability for the role.
Schiff, who recently became the first sitting U. S. senator to accept a criminal pardon, had previously called blanket pardons unwise. The pardon he received pertains to his role on the January 6th committee and protects him and unnamed committee members from offenses related to their investigations. Although Schiff originally opposed such a measure, he embraced the pardon once granted, raising questions about his integrity.
The January 6th committee is alleged to have concealed exculpatory evidence and coached witnesses to alter their testimonies. If Patel becomes FBI director, he may investigate the committee's actions and compel pardoned individuals to testify, which could lead to significant legal risks for Schiff and other lawmakers.
This conflict between Schiff and Patel follows their past clashes during the investigation into alleged collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia. Patel was a main figure in proving the lack of collusion, while Schiff spread misinformation during hearings. Schiff later spearheaded impeachment efforts against Trump, facing accusations of misusing his position for political gain.
During the recent confirmation hearing, Democrats questioned Patel's refusal to disclose grand-jury testimony related to Trump’s handling of classified documents. Patel indicated he did not have details due to the secretive nature of the ongoing investigation. Despite attempts by Democrats to portray the situation negatively, Republican senators, including Thom Tillis, noted the expected unfounded claims against Patel.
Schiff lamented the current political environment and criticized Trump's actions to hold accountable those investigating him. He urged his supporters to recognize the historical risks to democracy, despite his own controversial pardon, showcasing a hypocrisy in his warnings about the state of democracy.
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