“For each trip where you used an FBI aircraft for personal travel, have you reimbursed the FBI as required by law?" he asked. "If yes, please provide the records.”

Grassley then sternly demanded, “please explain why you decided to purchase BMW vehicles instead of Chevy Suburbans.”

This represents a change of tone for Grassley, who has stuck up for Patel in public interviews.

Patel, a MAGA loyalist and former intelligence staffer for House Republicans, has had a rocky tenure ever since being appointed to lead the FBI, starting with allegations of personal use of agency aircraft for pleasure trips, and a lack of availability while at work