- FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly ordered lie detector tests for over two dozen current and former security detail members and IT professionals to identify leakers, following an unflattering article in The Atlantic.
- Sources claim Patel is in “panic mode” and has isolated himself from senior bureau leaders, though FBI spokesman Ben Williamson denies these allegations, stating Patel is in regular meetings and the claims are false.
- The Atlantic article last month accused Patel of habitual excessive drinking and paranoia, leading him to file a $250 million defamation lawsuit and reportedly launch a criminal leak investigation, which the bureau denies.
- FBI agents were reportedly concerned about being asked to investigate a journalist's contacts for newsgathering, feeling it lacked a reasonable justification.
- A follow-up Atlantic report alleged Patel distributed custom bourbon bottles with his name and the FBI shield, which the FBI also denied, stating it's a common practice and Patel followed ethical guidelines; Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have since mocked Patel and called for an alcohol abuse test.
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