Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has announced that the agency is easing its hiring standards to permit applicants with a history of bestiality if they were victims. The move has sparked confusion and criticism, with Senator Dick Durbin questioning the change during an oversight hearing. Patel defended the policy, stating that the FBI is not criminalizing victims of bestiality.

Under the new policy, applicants who have engaged in bestiality before turning 18 are no longer automatically disqualified, provided they were victims. Senator John Kennedy expressed concern, asking, 'Why would you even get into bestiality?' Patel responded, 'We’re not into bestiality.'

According to a letter from Senate Democrats, the FBI has relaxed its hiring standards since February 2025. This includes allowing applicants who have stolen from employers more than three years ago, or who have paid for sex fewer than three times in the past ten years. The FBI has lost over 5,000 experienced personnel since the start of President Trump’s second term due to a 'purge' carried out by Patel.

In a statement to WIRED, the FBI clarified that the changes do not affect the eligibility of applicants who have engaged in criminal sexual acts. However, the relaxation of standards has drawn widespread criticism from human rights groups and lawmakers.