The FBI director, Kash Patel, has denied allegations of excessive drinking and threatened legal action against The Atlantic over a report citing two dozen current and former officials.
The article, published on Friday, claimed that members of Patel's security detail have had difficulty waking him on multiple occasions and that he is concerned about being dismissed. Patel responded, saying, 'Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court – bring your checkbook.'
In a post on X, Patel addressed 'the fake news' over 'the hit piece lies you write about me', adding, 'It means I’m doing exactly what I should be doing.' The allegations add to previous controversies, including criticism over Patel's use of a government jet and premature announcements on social media.
A group of retired and active FBI agents previously stated that Patel was 'in over his head'. However, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt defended Patel, crediting him as a 'critical player on the administration’s law and order team'.
The report also details concerns about public safety, with one FBI official saying, 'We’re all just waiting for the word' that Patel has been fired.
