U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) questioned FBI Director Kash Patel during a recent hearing about ongoing threats to Americans’ security, focusing on the role of social media and foreign terrorist groups.
In the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination, Graham repeated his call for the repeal of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996. This law currently protects social media companies from liability for user-posted content, including violent and sexually exploitative material.
Addressing the influence of online platforms, Graham asked: “After the assassination of Charlie Kirk, there seems to be one refrain from everybody, and that’s about the effect of social media. Do you believe that social media is one of the instruments radicalizing America and inciting violence?”
Patel responded: “My belief is based on the data, and the data shows that social media is wildly out of control when it comes to radicalizing.”
Graham agreed with Patel’s assessment: “You’re dead right.” The exchange can be viewed at https://youtu.be/4ZWFefjmDss?si=AAkrUA0gc7oJ35af&t=198.
The senator then pressed Patel on potential changes to Section 230: “Would you advocate a sunsetting of Section 230 to bring more liability to the companies who [allow this type of content]?”
Patel replied: “I’ve advocated that for years.”
Graham emphasized his position: “We need to do this, folks. These companies are taking content that makes you sick, that could get you killed, get you poisoned, and there’s nothing we can do about it under our law… because of Section 230. If your child is being sexually groomed online or bullied online, and you go to the social media company and ask them to take it down [and] they refuse, you have like zero rights.” This segment is available at https://youtu.be/4ZWFefjmDss?si=e_TrGYCPo0fBuv8I&t=309.
The discussion also covered new personnel policies at the FBI. Graham noted: “As to how to be an FBI agent, you’ve made a decision that local law enforcement folks, [and] people who have served in law enforcement without a college degree are able to apply now. Is that correct?”
Patel confirmed: “Yes, sir.”
Graham added: “Makes sense to me. Experience out in the field might be as valuable as a college degree, believe it or not.” The full exchange can be seen at https://youtu.be/4ZWFefjmDss?si=UDAT-nkHMMRU4OcY&t=11.
On foreign terrorist threats facing America today, Graham referenced former FBI Director Wray’s warning from December 2023 regarding increasing dangers from abroad. He asked Patel for an update on these threats.
Patel stated: “Foreign terrorist organizations have adapted and started utilizing online platforms and so has the FBI. While they are adapting [and] expanding how they harm our country, we have as well. They have not stopped. There’s been a resurgence [of threats] in places like West Africa and elsewhere of foreign terrorist organizations and also the newly emboldened drug trafficking organizations in Mexico. It’s going to take a whole-of-government approach.”
When asked if Hezbollah was included among those groups, Patel replied affirmatively.
Graham continued: “So, Hezbollah is involved in not only terrorism but narcoterrorism?”
Patel answered: “Yes, sir.”
Graham concluded by asking if Hezbollah posed a threat to the United States.
Patel responded: “Absolutely.” The exchange can be viewed at https://youtu.be/4ZWFefjmDss?si=BbMkyWXNKBlcCMyT&t=469.
A recording of Senator Graham’s questions during this hearing is available online.
