FBI Director Kash Patel to face grilling over travel, 2020 election probe

Genova, who had been leading an investigation scrutinising several of Trump's foes and that sought to prove the president was the victim of a criminal conspiracy, abruptly resigned last week. Patel will likely receive questions over the implications and reasons behind Di.

Genova's departure. It will be Patel's first appearance before the Senate since May, when Democrats pressed him over a media report that the FBI director's excessive drinking had interfered with his ability to lead the premier US law enforcement agency.

Patel defended his leadership and denied the report, arguing he has helped reduce crime nationwide. Read More:US House Democratic leaders say they will vote 'present' on Trump impeachment motion. Patel has since appeared with Trump to tout the lowest levels of violent crime in decades, a trend that had begun before Trump's second term.

Patel has also forged an unprecedented partnership with China and Russia to combat transnational crime, Reuterspreviously reported, a programme that critics say is dangerous and could undermine US national security.

Patel has been the near-constant subject of controversy since he took over the FBI.He drew criticism over media reports about him scuba diving at a Pearl Harbour memorial, and for drinking beer while celebrating with the gold-medal-winning US men's hockey team at the Milan Winter Olympics.

That scrutiny has at times come from Republicans, including Grassley, who sought information in a May 5 letter about Patel's use of a government plane, luxury cars and other taxpayer funds, the House and Senate Judiciary committees.

Patel could also face questions over his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, including about recently released texts showing Patel ordering a top aide to respond to anonymous social media accounts mocking that effort.