People seriously baffled after seeing what FBI director had written on notes at congressional testimony

In an incredibly cringeworthy moment captured in Congress, FBI director Kash Patel had written himself instructions as to how he should handle being pressed on tough topics like the Epstein files.

It only became apparent after cameras zoomed in on what can only be described as the most awkward self pep-talk scribbled during a congressional grilling.

The hearing was meant to tackle serious issues like political violence and the release of the Epstein files, but it quickly took a bizarre turn when people noticed blue ink on stationery boldly marked ‘Director Patel’ - yes, really.

The notes looked like something out of a high school diary. They read: "Good fight with Swalwell. Hold the line. Brush off their attacks. Rise above next line of partisan attacks."

Naturally, the internet had a field day.

“Lmfao he’s writing words of affirmation to himself,” one user posted on Twitter.

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel holds a handwritten note as he testifies before the House Judiciary Committee in the Rayburn House Office Building on September 17, 2025 in Washington, DC. Patel is facing questions from lawmakers for the second straight day following a contentious hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee where he was criticized for his handling of investigations into the assassination of political activist Charlie Kirk and the case related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Another typed: "This reads like the pep talk I give myself before every holiday with my family."

With a third adding: "This is the cringiest MFer in the MAGA movement, hands down."

The notes went viral not just for the content, but for the cringe factor of having his own personalized notepad. Bold move.

"What an absolute loser having to write himself motivational notes because no one loves him," someone else harshly penned.

Another added: “Lmao this is so sad. It’s like he’s hyping himself up in the mirror before the hearing.”

This all went down during a fiery House Judiciary Committee session, where Patel repeatedly clashed with Rep. Eric Swalwell over the Justice Department’s handling of Epstein-related documents.

Democratic US Representative Eric Swalwell clashed with Kash Patel during the meeting (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Swalwell asked if any files mentioned President Donald Trump, which Patel did not appreciate.

"Your fixation on this matter and baseless accusations that I’m hiding child pedophiles is disgusting," Patel snapped back.

The exchange devolved into a messy shouting match, with Swalwell mocking Patel’s tone and accusing him of dodging questions.

"Why don't you try spelling it out if you're going to mock me. Use the alphabet… No? A B C, D E F," he added.

The Democrat then alleged Patel was being evasive with his responses due to a 'consciousness of guilt' before accusing him of carrying out 'cute shell game' during the testimony.

"The court calls bulls***," Swalwell declared, following the Department of Justice's excuses about confidential material.

Patel replied: "I’m going to borrow your terminology and call bulls*** on your entire career in Congress."