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FBI Director Denies 'Excessive Drinking' Claims, Threatens Legal Action
FBI Director Denies Allegations and Threatens Legal Action
Kash Patel, the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has vehemently denied serious allegations regarding his conduct in office, including claims of excessive drinking. Patel called the reports 'fake news' and threatened legal action against the publication. The report, published by The Atlantic, alleges that Patel engaged in excessive drinking, causing disruptions to key meetings and briefings, and was at times unreachable while serving as the FBI Director. According to the report, more than two dozen officials claimed Patel frequently drank heavily, sometimes to the point where members of his security detail struggled to wake him up. In one instance, officials reportedly considered using specialized entry tools, typically reserved for emergency tactical situations, when Patel was unreachable behind locked doors.
White House Defends Patel Amidst Controversy
The article also claims that key meetings and briefings were disrupted due to late-night incidents involving alcohol, particularly during trips to Washington D.C. and Las Vegas. The report suggests that the FBI Director fears he could soon be removed from his position. However, White House spokesperson Carline Leavitt defended Patel, stating that crime has dropped significantly under the current administration and that Patel remains a 'critical player' in law enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, Sarah Fitzpatrick, the journalist for The Atlantic, stands by her report, claiming she spoke to two dozen people familiar with Patel's conduct, many of whom described it as a national security vulnerability. Patel has faced scrutiny before for prematurely announcing arrests in high-profile cases, using government aircraft for personal travel, and attending sporting events abroad on official jets. Concerns are now being raised not only about his leadership but also about national security readiness, with officials in the report warning that Patel's alleged behavior could pose risks in the event of a major emergency.
*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-04-19)*
