Kash Patel’s Pep-Talk Notes Steal Spotlight During Heated Congressional Testimony

What began as a high-stakes congressional hearing quickly turned into an internet spectacle after cameras captured something few expected — Kash Patel’s handwritten notes that looked less like briefing material and more like a motivational speech to himself.

The House Judiciary Committee convened this week to address serious topics, including political violence and the release of Epstein-related records. Yet much of the public’s attention drifted from the discussion itself to Patel’s notepad, which bore his name across the top and featured a handful of short affirmations in blue ink.

Among the phrases: “Good fight with Swalwell. Hold the line. Brush off their attacks. Rise above next line of partisan attacks.”

The discovery triggered a storm online. Commenters ridiculed the notes as amateurish. “This looks like the pep talk I give myself before dinner with my in-laws,” joked one user. Another sneered: “Imagine needing to remind yourself to stay strong… embarrassing.”

Memes flooded social platforms within minutes, amplifying the mockery and turning Patel’s prep notes into the most viral element of the day.

But the hearing itself wasn’t short on fireworks. Patel clashed with Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who pressed him repeatedly about whether Donald Trump’s name appeared in Epstein-related files. Patel shot back, accusing Swalwell of grandstanding and “cheap theatrics.”

As their exchange grew more heated, Swalwell mocked Patel’s speaking style and suggested his evasiveness hinted at a “consciousness of guilt.” He accused Patel of playing a “shell game” with his answers, finally declaring: “The court calls bulls*.”*

Patel fired right back: “Then I’ll call bulls** on your entire career in Congress.”*

The shouting match highlighted just how deep partisan divisions run in Washington, with even sensitive topics like national security and Epstein’s files devolving into insult trading.

Still, despite the fiery back-and-forth, it wasn’t Patel’s arguments that trended afterward. It was his scribbled reminders — a private pep talk accidentally made public — that cemented the day as another viral moment of politics in the age of social media.