'Clown': Kash Patel mocked over photo of his 'cringey' handwritten House hearing notes

A photographer's quick snap of FBI Director Kash Patel's handwritten notes during a contentious House hearing this week earned scorn from social media critics.

Patel testified this week before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday and then before the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. He faced a tense grilling on several topics, including the investigation into the files of accused sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and other internal FBI matters.

A Getty photograph shared on X by independent journalist Aaron Rupar showed what was on Patel's mind during his hearing with House lawmakers.

"Good fight with Swalwell.

Hold the line.

Brush off their attacks.

Rise above next line of partisan attacks."

The internet roasted Patel over the notes.

Former Rep. Barbara Comstock (D-VA) chided Patel on X.

"Performative clown @FBIDirectorKash - even MAGA knows he’s not up for the job."

Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief at MeidasTouch, wrote on X, "This is the cringiest MFer in the MAGA movement, hands down."

Max Flugrath, communications director at Fair Fight Action, wrote on X, "These aren't notes – it's a script to follow in hopes of generating clips MAGA can use for social media propaganda."

Independent investigative journalist Adam Cochran wrote on X, "As if we need more proof of Kash being an idiot… His notes include 'Good fight with Swalwell' and a reminder to 'hold the line.'"

Matt Johnson wrote on X, "It's almost like @FBIDirectorKash is a partisan hack that has no business running a Kinko's let alone the FBI."

Chris Robinson wrote on X, "Does Trump give him a treat for this? A later bed time? More screen time?"