The revised standards allow case-by-case review of some conduct involving animals that occurred before age 18. Patel said the change was intended to avoid automatically excluding trafficking and abuse victims.
FBI Director Kash Patel defended changes to the bureau’s hiring rules on Tuesday after Republican Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana pressed him over a policy that allows some applicants with past sexual conduct involving animals to remain eligible for consideration, according to The Associated Press and CBS News.
The exchange came during a Senate Judiciary Committee oversight hearing, where Kennedy questioned Patel about changes that removed several forms of past conduct from the FBI’s list of automatic employment disqualifications.
The revised standards include conduct involving bestiality or animal cruelty that occurred before an applicant turned 18, according to CBS. Such conduct can now receive individualized review rather than automatically ending an application. Remaining eligible for consideration does not guarantee that an applicant will be hired.
Kennedy repeatedly questioned why the bureau had changed the rule, asking Patel why he had not responded to the proposal by asking the person who recommended it, “What planet did you parachute in from?” according to the AP.
The News — Premium Access
The News is The Intellectualist’s series for consequential reporting on power, politics and the people shaping public life, with the context needed to understand why today’s events matter.
Premium membership unlocks the full Intellectualist portfolio:
History of the Present Power and events before they become settled history.
One Person, One Vote Voting rights, representation, reform and whose voice counts.
Reality Check Evidence, falsehood and what survives contact with reality.
Thoughts & Ideas Brian Daitzman on power, democracy, technology and the future.
The Cost of Money Debt, rates, credit, currencies and the price of trust.
Bits & Bytes Artificial intelligence, emerging technology and what comes next.
Members receive early access to major investigations and essays, deeper analysis before narratives harden, and expanding access to briefings, discussions, events and the editorial process behind The Intellectualist.
The first 1,000 members will be permanently recognized as Founding Members.
