NEWPORT, R.I. — A public dispute between FBI Director Kash Patel and Rhode Island U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse escalated Thursday, with Patel accusing the longtime lawmaker of discrimination tied to a private beach club in Newport, Rhode Island.
The exchange unfolded on the social platform X, where Whitehouse criticized Patel in connection with a recent lawsuit. The senator referenced ongoing legal issues involving Patel, writing that he would eventually have to testify and suggesting accountability was coming.
The lawsuit, filed by three former FBI agents, alleges Patel and the Department of Justice participated in a retaliatory campaign against them following their involvement in investigations tied to efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election.
Patel quickly responded, pushing back against the criticism while highlighting what he described as FBI successes in Rhode Island. However, the response took a more personal turn when Patel accused Whitehouse of belonging to a private beach club that allegedly excludes people based on appearance.
Over the years Bailey’s Beach Club, also known by its legal name Spouting Rock Beach Association, has been accused of being an all-white club.
In his reply, Patel claimed the club does not allow “people who look like” him and suggested he would personally test that claim.
As of Thursday, Whitehouse had not publicly responded to the accusation, and his office has not issued an official statement.
Whitehouse has represented Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate since 2007.
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