"For example, the AP reported the spat, "FBI Director Kash Patel denies drinking allegations in heated Senate exchange," without noting that Kash's claim that he was in Italy on business (which AP notes) is tantamount to a confession that he was drinking on the job."
"Unlike your baseless reports, the only person that was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang-banging rapist was you," he yelled, apparently referring to Van Hollen's April 2025 trip to visit Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whom the administration said it had mistakenly deported to El Salvador."
"Abrego was not charged with or convicted of being a gang member or rape, but administration officials have accused him of being a member of the violent MS-13 gang, an allegation he has denied. Abrego is awaiting trial on human trafficking charges. Salvadoran officials served Van Hollen and Abrego drinks that looked like margaritas."
"Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele then shared pictures of the meeting, saying they showed Abrego "sipping margaritas with Sen. Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!" Van Hollen said at the time that he never touched the drink."
An exchange between Chris Van Hollen and Kash Patel centered on allegations involving drinking in El Salvador. Kash Patel denied drinking allegations during a heated Senate exchange while claiming he was in Italy on business, which is presented as effectively admitting he was drinking on the job. Van Hollen accused the administration of staging a meeting with Kilmar Abrego Garcia to create misleading optics. Abrego was not charged or convicted as a gang member or rapist, but administration officials alleged he is linked to MS-13 and he is awaiting trial on human trafficking charges. Salvadoran officials served drinks resembling margaritas, and Nayib Bukele shared photos claiming Abrego was sipping margaritas with Van Hollen, while Van Hollen said he never touched the drink.
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