FBI Director Kash Patel announced Sunday he will file a lawsuit against The Atlantic as early as Monday, after the magazine published a report Friday alleging he has a drinking problem that has interfered with his ability to lead the bureau.
The Atlantic’s report, based on interviews with more than two dozen current and former officials, alleged Patel was “erratic” and on multiple occasions appeared intoxicated on the job.
“It’s coming tomorrow,” Patel told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures when asked if he planned to sue. “You want to attack my character, come at me. Bring it on. I’ll see you in court.”
The Atlantic alleged that Patel’s security detail had difficulty waking him on multiple occasions and once needed to request “breaching equipment” to reach him behind locked doors. The magazine also reported that senior Trump administration officials are already privately discussing potential replacements for Patel.
Patel responded Friday before the lawsuit announcement, telling The Atlantic in a statement: “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook.” His lawyer Jesse Binnall said a legal warning was sent to the outlet before publication. “They were on notice that the claims were categorically false and defamatory. They published anyway,” Binnall posted on X.
Acting Attorney General Blanche pushed back on the report in a statement. “Patel has accomplished more in 14 months than the previous administration did in four years,” he said. “Anonymously sourced hit pieces do not constitute journalism.”
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