(SeaPRwire) – FBI Director Kash Patel has strongly refuted a recent report from The Atlantic, which claims he has engaged in excessive alcohol consumption and frequent unexplained absences during his time leading the bureau. Patel has indicated he intends to pursue legal action in response to the allegations.
In a post on X, Patel addressed the publication and the report’s author, stating, “See you and your entire entourage of false reporting in court,” and characterizing the article as a “legal layup.”
“Memo to the fake news – the only time I’ll ever actually be concerned about the hit piece lies you write about me will be when you stop,” Patel further remarked on X Saturday morning. “Keep talking, it means I’m doing exactly what I should be doing. And no amount of BS you write will ever deter this FBI from making America safe again and taking down the criminals you love.”
The report, released Friday evening, relies on testimony from over two dozen individuals, including current and former FBI staff, who describe several instances of erratic behavior by the 46-year-old former public defender. These accounts of heavy drinking and instability are presented as evidence of ineffective leadership within the 38,000-person agency.
Sources cited in the article allege that Patel has been observed visibly intoxicated at private venues in Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., which reportedly forced subordinates to reschedule morning briefings. Both White House and Justice Department personnel reported difficulties in waking the director, with one incident involving security staff being unable to access his room, leading to a request for tactical breaching tools. Such behavior, if proven, would conflict with Department of Justice ethics policies regarding habitual intoxication.
Officials expressed concerns regarding public safety, questioning Patel’s ability to manage a domestic terror threat. One source told The Atlantic that these concerns have intensified since the commencement of U.S. military actions against Iran.
The report also suggests that many employees are anticipating Patel’s potential removal, despite public support from President Donald Trump. Sources highlighted his impulsivity and lack of availability during critical moments as primary concerns.
In defense of the director, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated, “crime across the country has plummeted to the lowest level in more than 100 years and many high profile criminals have been put behind bars. Director Patel remains a critical player on the Administration’s law and order team.”
This report follows recent claims by Iran-linked hackers known as Handala, who alleged they compromised Patel’s personal email and leaked various documents and photos, according to Reuters.
Past controversies
The allegations add to a growing list of questions regarding Patel’s management of the nation’s primary federal law enforcement agency.
In September 2025, Patel faced bipartisan criticism for his handling of the search for the individual who killed right-wing commentator Charlie Kirk, particularly after he prematurely claimed a suspect had been apprehended.
Patel defended his actions at the time, stating he had “no regrets” and was prioritizing transparency.
“Mr. Patel was so anxious to take credit for finding Mr. Kirk’s assassin that he violated one of the basics of effective law enforcement: At critical stages of investigation, shut up and let the professionals do their job,” Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) remarked during an FBI oversight hearing.
In December of last year, House Judiciary Committee Democrats demanded an explanation following reports that Patel utilized government aircraft for personal travel, including trips to Texas, Scotland, and Pennsylvania to see his girlfriend perform. Patel dismissed these claims as “baseless rumors.”
Additionally, in February, Patel faced scrutiny for traveling to the Milan-Cortina Olympics to attend the U.S. men’s hockey gold medal game. Social media footage captured him dancing, singing, and consuming alcohol while wearing a gold medal.
An FBI spokesperson defended the trip on X, stating, “No, it’s not a personal trip. Director Patel is on a trip that was planned months ago.”
The White House did not immediately provide a comment to TIME.
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