How low can you go: The FBI's new hiring rules no longer disqualify bestiality?

FBI Director Kash Patel defended before the Senate Judiciary Committee new hiring rules that ease the acceptance of candidates involved in prostitution, theft from an employer, and bestiality. Patel argued the changes were intended not to punish victims of sex trafficking, but sources familiar with the details said the guidelines do not distinguish between coercion and consent.

FBI Director Kash Patel defended before the Senate Judiciary Committee new hiring rules at the Bureau that ease the acceptance of candidates involved in prostitution, theft from an employer, and bestiality. The hearing was the first time Patel publicly addressed the new standards, after CBS News reported on them in August 2026. Patel argued the changes were intended to ensure that victims of sexual assault or human trafficking, who were forced to perform acts involving animals, would not be excluded from FBI employment. However, sources familiar with the details told CBS that the guidelines do not distinguish between candidates who were coerced into such acts and those who engaged in them voluntarily. The relaxations include: prostitution is not disqualifying if it occurred fewer than three times and more than 10 years ago; theft from an employer is considered if it occurred more than three years ago; bestiality is disqualifying only if committed after age 18. The changes sparked bipartisan outrage, and Democrats on the committee demanded full accountability. Patel avoided explaining why the standards were also lowered regarding theft from an employer.