Full Breakdown
Kash Patel’s $10 Million Defamation Suit Against Blogger Dismissed
7/30/2026, 1:32:21 AM
Case Overview
Former FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit in Nevada in 2023, seeking $10 million in damages from Substack writer Jim Stewartson. Stewartson had labeled Patel a “Kremlin asset,” an “incompetent chud,” and accused him of “overthrowing the government” and helping organize the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Legal Basis for Dismissal
U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon ruled on July 25 that the case lacked a sufficient connection to Nevada. The judge noted that while Stewartson’s posts were made by a Nevada-resident plaintiff, the alleged defamatory statements did not target Nevada audiences, and Patel’s tagging of Stewartson did not create the required “contact” with the state. Consequently, the court dismissed Patel’s claims for lack of jurisdiction.
Patel’s Prior Defamation Actions
The Nevada suit is not Patel’s only defamation litigation. During his tenure as FBI director, he sued The Atlantic and journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick for $250 million over an article that quoted sources describing Patel’s alleged alcohol use and its impact on his work. The Atlantic has moved to dismiss that lawsuit.
Stewartson’s Response
After the dismissal, Stewartson posted additional insults on X, stating that he was now free to refer to Patel with the same epithets without fear of legal repercussions.
Verbatim Quote
“Because how do you prove he’s not a chud?” — Jim Stewartson
