FBI chief Kash Patel vows to sue Atlantic over story claiming alcohol abuse

Kash Patel responds with legal notice to ‘wild drinking’ allegation, calls reports ‘completely false’

FBI Director Kash Patel threatened to sue The Atlantic over a report alleging "erratic behavior" and "excessive drinking." Patel’s legal team labelled the claims categorically false, defamatory, and based on unreliable sources.

What to Know About Allegations of Excessive Drinking by FBI Director Kash Patel

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel testifies during a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats in the Hart Senate Office Building on March 18, 2026. —Win McNamee/Getty ImagesFBI Director Kash Patel has vehemently denied—and threatened a lawsuit over—a new report from The Atlantic this week, which alleges excessive drinking and unexplained absences during his tenure as bureau chief. In one post on X, Patel told …

Kash Patel Threatens Lawsuit Over Report On His Allegedly Frequent 'Intoxication Incidents'

The Atlantic reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick published an article on Friday about several alleged incidents involving the FBI director.

FBI Director Kash Patel vows to take The Atlantic to court over 'defamatory' report

FBI Director Kash Patel is denying excessive drinking and unexplained absences alleged in a recent report from The Atlantic, saying, “I’ll see you in court.”

FBI chief Kash Patel threatens to sue liberal magazine, denies drinking, attendance accusations

FBI Director Kash Patel responded to reports about his alleged erratic behavior and that his job is in jeopardy, calling them "fake news."

‘Bring Your Checkbook’: Kash Patel Tells The Atlantic He'll See Them in Court

Kash Patel responds to The Atlantic's accusations of intoxication with a lawsuit threat and strong denials.