Cory Booker news
The gist
Sen. Cory Booker questioned FBI Director Kash Patel over journalist investigations and urged Trump to convene Congress on AI.
The clash and AI push show Booker's focus on oversight and tech policy before recess.
How it unfolded
- Sep 15, 2026During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, Booker questioned FBI Director Kash Patel about bureau investigations involving journalists, saying 'Like a thug, you're using your agency to go after reporters,' and criticized Chairman Chuck Grassley over questioning time.
- Sep 15, 2026Booker said Patel's agents recommended moving forward on whether a New York Times reporter violated federal stalking law, but the DOJ ended it, citing no legal basis and possible retaliation.
- Sep 15, 2026Booker said Patel told Sean Hannity there was 'absolutely no investigation' of reporters, while the bureau gave a written statement to the New York Times on April 22 about concerns over aggressive techniques; Booker said 'One of those two occasions he is lying.'