Just days after retracting his call for a $1 billion boost to the FBI’s budget, Director Kash Patel chaired a meeting with the International Association of Chiefs of Police, seeking to reinforce the Bureau’s ties with local law enforcement. “Starting off Police Week by spending time with the International Association of Chiefs of Police,” Patel wrote on X. “We discussed how to strengthen our partnership and how the FBI can better serve them... This FBI will always Back the Blue.”The timing of the outreach comes amid intense scrutiny of Patel’s leadership and a turbulent week in Washington. In testimony before a House committee, Patel warned that the White House’s proposed budget cutting FBI funding by 5 per cent would force him to eliminate 1,100 vacancies and potentially lay off 1,300 more staff. Yet just a day later, before a Senate panel, he reversed course, saying the Bureau would “make and agree with this budget as it stands.”The abrupt turnaround fuelled speculation about Patel’s independence, especially given his close ties to President Donald Trump. Some read the initial budget plea as a bid to signal distance from the administration, but his quick backpedal muddied that interpretation.Meanwhile, Patel faces growing controversy on multiple fronts. Former officials and media reports have accused him of being disengaged, claiming he spends more time in nightclubs and sporting events than at FBI headquarters. NBC News reported that daily 8:30 am director briefings have been cut to twice a week. An FBI spokesperson dismissed these claims, insisting Patel attends five meetings weekly, including smaller sessions not open to all staff.Allegations have also surfaced about misuse of FBI aircraft for personal travel and reduced field office engagement. Senate Democrats are now demanding an investigation into his jet usage, following reports that he used Bureau aircraft to visit his girlfriend.Ethics concerns have intensified after it was revealed Patel holds up to £4 million in shares in Elite Depot, parent company of fast-fashion giant Shein. Despite its China ties and allegations of forced labour denied by Shein the FBI has allowed Patel to retain the stake, saying it poses no conflict with his current duties.