FBI Director Kash Patel's startling admission on Wednesday had political analysts and observers up in arms.
During a hearing on global threats, Patel was asked by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) if he would commit to not purchasing Americans' location data as part of the FBI's operations. Patel instead told Wyden that the FBI has collected "valuable information" from the data it purchases.
"The FBI uses all tools ... to do our mission," Patel said. "We do purchase commercially available information that is consistent with the Constitution and the laws of the Electronic Communications Privacy Act."
Patel's answer didn't sit well with several political analysts and observers, who shared their reactions on social media.
"Kash Patel refused to deny that the FBI is buying up Americans' location data," Wyden posted on X. "This is a shocking end run around the 4th amendment and exactly why we need to pass real privacy reforms NOW."
"That's a big NO. Where are the 'Don't tread on me' 1st amendment folks?" Marie Blanchard, a retired Department of Justice employee, posted on X.
"Is your mission to spy on American citizens, Kash?" political commentator Chad Lehman posted on Bluesky.
"The FBI, run by a podcaster, is spying on and tracking American citizens," technologist Linda Stevens posted on X. "Don’t take your smartphones, cars, etc. to any political rally, union meeting, social event, or doctor's office visit."
"I can’t wait to get this moron in a deposition," political writer Jim Stewartson posted on X.
Sen. Wyden: Can you commit to not buying Americans' location data?
Kash Patel: The FBI uses all tools to do our mission pic.twitter.com/mDfEqXVKL3
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) March 18, 2026