Kash Patel speaks out on allegations, denies misconduct and criticises reporting

FBI Director Kash Patel has publicly responded to allegations about his conduct, firmly denying claims that he drank excessively while on the job.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday alongside acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Patel rejected the accusations outright.

“I’ve never been intoxicated on the job,” he said, highlighting what he described as a series of law enforcement successes during his tenure.

Patel also defended his work at the bureau, adding: “This FBI director has been on the job twice as many days as every director before me.”

The remarks come after a report published last week by The Atlantic alleged that Patel had “alarmed colleagues with episodes of excessive drinking and unexplained absences.”

Blanche dismissed the report, telling journalists it contained “blatantly false” information.

He also criticised the reliance on unnamed sources, saying the story was “based on anonymous sources.”

Patel echoed those concerns, stating: “My concerns are completely around the anonymous reporting that comes forth constantly,” and adding he does not listen “to the fake news mafia.”

The Atlantic has defended its reporting.

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

Reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick also said she stood “by every word of this reporting. We have excellent attorneys.”

Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the magazine.