FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick, seeking $250m in damages over an article that alleged excessive drinking and unexplained absences while he was in charge of the bureau. The lawsuit, lodged in US district court for the District of Columbia, accuses the magazine of publishing a 'malicious and defamatory hit piece' on 17 April.
Patel's legal team claims the article relied entirely on anonymous sources with political axes to grind and that the magazine acted with actual malice by publishing despite denials. They also argue that insufficient time was given to respond before publication. The Atlantic has said it stands by its reporting and will 'vigorously defend' against the 'meritless lawsuit'.
The article, citing six current and former officials, reported that meetings and briefings had to be rescheduled due to Patel's 'alcohol-fueled nights'. Patel denies drinking to excess and says no government officials are concerned. His lawyer, Jesse Binnall, had sent a pre-publication threat letter, and Patel himself was quoted in the article saying: 'Print it, all false, I'll see you in court – bring your checkbook.'
The lawsuit is the latest example of tensions between the Trump administration and the press. Democrats, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have cited the article to call for Patel's resignation. Schumer said: 'Americans deserve steady, SOBER leadership from their FBI Director.'
