Kash Patel addressed the drinking allegations leveled against him during a recent interview.
'See You in Court’: Kash Patel Vows to Sue ‘Fake News Mafia’ Over Shocking Drinking Allegations
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Kash Patel has denied allegations of excessive drinking that were recently leveled against him.
A report published by The Atlantic on Friday, April 17, stated that according to sources, the alleged alcoholism of Patel has raised concerns among officials of the White House and the FBI.
Responding to the accusations, Patel announced plans to sue the outlet for defamation during an appearance on Fox News's Sunday Morning Futures on Sunday, April 19.
Kash Patel Threatens Defamation Lawsuit Against The Atlantic
Kash Patel addresses the drinking accusations leveled against him during an interview on Fox News's 'Sunday Morning Futures.'
Appearing on Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, Patel denied the drinking allegations and criticized what he called the "fake news mafia."
Hitting back at the The Atlantic report, Patel defend his work as the chief of the FBI.
He said that while his agency has been doing a good job, it is the repeated false reporting that has been causing unnecessary controversies.
The 46-year-old further stated that he intends to take legal action against the media outlet.
“So, you know what? They can beat their drums and stand next to toxic waste all they want, but that doesn’t make it toxic waste,” Patel said.
“And, Maria, I’m happy to announce on your show that we are not going to take this lying down. You want to attack my character, come at me, bring it on. I’ll see you in court,” he added.
When Bartiromo asked if he planned to sue the media outlet, Patel confirmed, "Absolutely. It's coming tomorrow."
He specified that the lawsuit would target The Atlantic. "Yes. Yes, I will, for defamation," he said.
Patel went on, “Because, you know what, Maria [Bartiromo]? We have to fight back against the fake news. It’s one of the many things that President [Donald] Trump is so successful at in leading out on, because no one is attacked as baselessly and as much as he is. And our leaders that get attacked under his brilliant leadership must do the same.”
'That’s What Keeps Me up at Night'
Kash Patel reacts to the excessive drinking allegations leveled against him, in a post on X.
The Atlantic report in question made some serious allegations against the FBI director.
Citing interviews with more than 24 people, including officials and staff, the report stated that Patel's tenure at the FBI has been marked by heavy drinking, erratic behavior and sudden absences.
Some FBI and Justice Department officials quoted in the report said Patel's behavior has raised national security concerns, particularly as tensions escalated following the U.S. conflict with Iran.
“That’s what keeps me up at night,” one official told The Atlantic.
Coming back to the excessive drinking allegations made against Patel, sources have reportedly claimed that the 46-year-old's security team had trouble waking him up on a few occasions when he appeared to be intoxicated.
The sources further stated that Patel is often spotted drinking at private clubs in Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas.
Moreover, Patel also previously drew scrutiny after video showed him drinking beer with the U.S. men's hockey team following their Winter Olympics victory.
Dismissing the allegations, Patel wrote in a post on X, “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.”
“Keep talking, it means I’m doing exactly what I should be doing. And no amount of [expletive] you write will ever deter this FBI from making America safe again and taking down the criminals you love,” he added.