A bizarre and awkward moment unfolded during a recent congressional testimony, as FBI Director Kash Patel was seen scribbling what can only be described as a motivational pep talk for himself. The notes, written in blue ink on stationery marked “Director Patel,” quickly went viral after being captured by cameras during his testimony on September 17, 2025, before the House Judiciary Committee.
The notes appeared to serve as a form of self-encouragement as Patel prepared to face tough questions, particularly from Representative Eric Swalwell. The handwritten reminders read: “Good fight with Swalwell. Hold the line. Brush off their attacks. Rise above next line of partisan attacks.” This prompted a flurry of reactions on social media, with many users expressing disbelief at the spectacle.
Internet Reacts: ‘Words of Affirmation’ and ‘Cringe’
The internet wasted no time in commenting on the notes, which were seen by some as a sign of insecurity. One user tweeted, “Lmfao he’s writing words of affirmation to himself,” while others compared the notes to something one might write before a stressful family holiday gathering. Another user humorously stated, “This reads like the pep talk I give myself before every holiday with my family.”
The personalized notepad and the motivational notes became a focal point of ridicule. “What an absolute loser having to write himself motivational notes because no one loves him,” one user harshly wrote. Another added, “Lmao this is so sad. It’s like he’s hyping himself up in the mirror before the hearing.”
Democratic US Representative Eric Swalwell clashed with Kash Patel during the meeting (Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Tense Confrontation with Rep. Eric Swalwell
The notes were not the only controversial aspect of the testimony. Patel clashed with Rep. Eric Swalwell throughout the hearing, particularly over the handling of the Epstein-related documents and other sensitive matters. The situation grew heated when Swalwell pressed Patel on whether any files mentioned President Donald Trump.
Patel, visibly frustrated, shot back, “Your fixation on this matter and baseless accusations that I’m hiding child pedophiles is disgusting.” The exchange then escalated, with Swalwell mocking Patel’s responses and accusing him of evading questions. Swalwell, who was growing increasingly irate, even quipped, “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.”
Patel’s response was equally sharp: “I’m going to borrow your terminology and call bulls*** on your entire career in Congress.”
A Viral Moment for the Wrong Reasons
While the congressional hearing was meant to address serious issues, including political violence and the release of Epstein-related files, the focus quickly shifted to Patel’s handwritten notes. Many online have since dubbed the moment “cringeworthy” and a textbook example of an awkward political spectacle.
Though the exchange between Patel and Swalwell was intense, it was the personal notes that became the viral sensation, leaving many to question how a high-ranking government official could be so publicly unprepared for the scrutiny of a congressional hearing.
For more on the viral moments from Congress, check out the full testimony and reactions across social media.
