FBI Director Kash Patel sues The Atlantic for defamation

By Katie Dusza, News Editor 

FBI director Kash Patel sued “The Atlantic” for $250 million, alleging defamation after they published an article describing him as a heavy drinker. He claimed that the article was a “malicious hit piece.” “The Atlantic” responded by saying they would stand their ground in this, “meritless lawsuit.” 

Author Sarah Fitzpatrick from “The Atlantic” claimed that Patel is deeply afraid of losing his job and that, “he has good reasons to think so- including some having to do with what witnesses described to me as bouts of excessive drinking.”  According to Fitzpatrick, officials in the FBI and Department of Justice are worried about Patel’s behavior including, “both conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences,” one official anonymously expressing worries about the hands our country would be in the case of a terrorist attack in the US. 

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee propose that Patel complete a screening test used to assess “harmful patterns of alcohol consumption and routinely used by individuals to help identify hazardous drinking behaviors,” following “The Atlantic” allegations. Maryland Democratic representative Jamie Raskin, wrote a letter for Patel on Tuesday stating concerns for his "purported drinking habits,” and “erratic schedule,” and how they have had "disastrous effects” on his performance as FBI Director. 

The Trump administration continues to defend Patel by crediting him for decreasing crime rates. They also appreciate Patel’s willingness to go against Trump’s rivals. 

According to “The Atlantic,” Patel has been spotted drinking heavily at private nightclubs in Washington and Las Vegas, where he spends many of his weekends. Six of the anonymous sources that on occasion, briefings and meetings involving Patel, were rescheduled for later in the day due to his drinking the previous night. 

This lawsuit is similar to Trump's actions last week where he sued for defamation by the Wall Street Journal for $10 million over a story about a risque birthday greeting he sent to convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein. This lawsuit was dismissed by a Florida judge. Additionally in September, a different judge dismissed a $15 billion lawsuit against the New York Times, after they released an article that was critical of Trump and his businesses.