Kash Patel, the FBI Director, revealed on Sunday his intention to file a lawsuit against The Atlantic following a damaging article that accused him of frequent alcohol consumption during work hours and as taking unexplained breaks. Patel firmly dismissed these accusations as “fake news.”
The controversial article, titled “The FBI Director Is MIA,” purportedly drew from interviews with over two dozen anonymous sources, including current and former FBI officials and various political insiders.
Among the numerous allegations were claims of excessive drinking that supposedly hindered Patel’s ability to lead. Sources alleged he was seen intoxicated at locations such as the private club Ned’s in Washington, D.C., and the Poodle Room in Las Vegas. Reports indicated that some meetings were delayed due to his late-night drinking habits early in his directorship.
Furthermore, the piece mentioned that his security team encountered challenges waking him during several instances of apparent intoxication, leading to a request for breaching equipment after he became unreachable.
However, none of these assertions have been substantiated beyond claims from “current and former” officials.
Patel vehemently rejected the claims reported, noting that prior to publication, his attorney Jesse Binnall had sent a letter to the journalist asserting that most of the serious allegations were “false, unsourced, and facially defamatory.”
Following the article’s release, Patel denounced it as a “hit piece,” maintaining that he hasn’t set foot in a nightclub since taking office as director.
During a conversation with Fox News’ Maria Bartiromo, Patel announced his plan to sue the outlet, describing the allegations as frivolous. “It’s coming tomorrow,” he confirmed to Bartiromo when asked about the lawsuit.
“Yes. Yes, I will, for defamation because, you know what, Maria? We have to fight back against the fake news. This is part of what President Trump has successfully led — standing up against baseless attacks. Leaders who face such attacks must retaliate,” Patel emphasized.
“You want to attack my character? Come at me, bring it on. I’ll see you in court,” he affirmed.
