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Bannon Accuses Bartiromo of Trump-Backed "Hit" on Patel

4/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

Steve Bannon criticized FBI Director Kash Patel on his “War Room” podcast, alleging that Fox News host Maria Bartiromo's questioning of Patel was a “sanctioned hit” from the Trump administration.
Bannon compared Bartiromo's questioning to a previous incident involving Senator John Kennedy and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Patel, facing scrutiny after a controversial report from The Atlantic and his actions at the 2026 Winter Olympics, denied the report's claims.
Patel filed a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic for publishing a “hit piece.”

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Story summary

Steve Bannon criticized FBI Director Kash Patel on his “War Room” podcast, alleging that Fox News host Maria Bartiromo's questioning of Patel was a “sanctioned hit” from the Trump administration.
Bannon compared Bartiromo's questioning to a previous incident involving Senator John Kennedy and former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
Patel, facing scrutiny after a controversial report from The Atlantic and his actions at the 2026 Winter Olympics, denied the report's claims.
Patel filed a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic for publishing a “hit piece.”