FBI Director Kash Patel Faces Defamation Suit and Congressional Probe Over Drinking Allegations

An *Atlantic* investigation released April 18 alleged Director Kash Patel drank to incapacitation, required staff to awaken him, and ordered polygraph tests on FBI personnel. The story cited two dozen FBI officials describing incidents where Patel was “hard to wake” and, on one occasion, needed “SWAT-level breaching equipment.” Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against *The Atlantic* and author Sarah Fitzpatrick, calling the claims false, fabricated, and published with actual malice.

Congressional Democrats Order Kash Patel to Submit Alcohol Screening Test Under Oath

On April 22, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and House Democrats sent Patel a letter demanding a ten-question Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test under penalty of perjury. Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA) called Patel a “raging alcoholic” and urged resignation. Senate leaders Sen. Chuck Schumer and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche were asked to preserve related records.

Congressional Democrats Order Kash Patel to Submit Alcohol Screening Test Under Oath

Patel told reporters, “I have never been intoxicated on the job,” and added, “I can say unequivocally that I never listen to the fake news mafia.” Attorney General Todd Blanche said he had “a lot of concerns” about anonymous sources cited by *The Atlantic*. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Patel remains “a critical player on law-and-order team.” *The Atlantic* said it “stands by its reporting” and will “vigorously defend” against the lawsuit, calling it meritless.

Politico

Rep. Raskin’s letter called the allegations “shocking” and urged Patel’s resignation. Sen. Schumer said Patel’s job is to protect the public, not to “party on the job.” Critiques contrast with Patel’s denials.

TND - The National Desk

• Early April: alleged login “freak-out.”

Salon

• April 18: *The Atlantic* report.

The Hill

• April 20: $250 million lawsuit filed.

HuffPost

• April 21-22: press conference with heated exchange.

The Wrap

• April 22: Democrats request AUDIT.

TND - The National Desk

$250 million sought; >24 FBI sources cited; 10-question AUDIT requested; “SWAT-level” equipment used to awaken Patel.

Congressional Democrats Order Kash Patel to Submit Alcohol Screening Test Under Oath

Patel says he was never intoxicated or locked out, while *The Atlantic* reports accounts of heavy drinking and a “freak-out.” Patel’s lawsuit admits a “routine technical problem” logging into a system, contradicting his verbal denial. A defamation case against former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi was dismissed as protected speech, leaving the Atlantic lawsuit unresolved.

Above the Law

• “I can say unequivocally that I never listen to the fake news mafia.” — Kash Patel, FBI Director

Salon

• “The problem with you and your baseless reporting is that is an absolute lie.” — Kash Patel

Politico

• “These glimpses of your relationship to alcohol would be alarming to see in an FBI agent; for us to see them in the FBI Director himself is shocking and indicative of a public emergency,” — Rep. Jamie Raskin

Fox News (website)

• “We stand by our reporting on Kash Patel, and we will vigorously defend The Atlantic and our journalists against this meritless lawsuit.” — The Atlantic spokesperson

Daily Beast

The defamation suit will proceed in federal court, testing the actual-malice claim. Congressional investigators may issue subpoenas if the Judiciary Committee moves forward. Legal and legislative steps could affect Patel’s tenure.

Daily Beast