FBI Director Kash Patel responded to reports about his alleged erratic behavior and that his job is in jeopardy, calling them “fake news.”
The Atlantic published a story on Friday detailing his “tumultuous tenure,” describing a directorship marred by “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences.”
The magazine wrote that Mr. Katel’s drinking is a “recurring” source of concern, adding that he has been intoxicated in the presence of other administration officials and had to delay a meeting after a night out.
The outlet also noted that President Trump called him to convey his distaste of videos of the FBI director chugging beer with the gold medal-clinching U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team in Italy.
The Atlantic, a liberal magazine that has slammed Mr. Trump for years, mentioned that Mr. Patel has an alleged habit of jumping to conclusions or acting impulsively during high-stakes investigations.
Other points in the magazine’s story: His less-than-perfect attendance at the office and his embrace of his travel perks have reportedly caused the White House to worry. He has used a government jet for multiple personal trips. The report does note that FBI directors must use government aircraft.
Mr. Patel labeled the article “BS.”
“Memo to the fake news — the only time I’ll ever actually be concerned about the hit piece lies you write about me will be when you stop. Keep talking, it means I’m doing exactly what I should be doing. And no amount of BS you write will ever deter this FBI from making America safe again and taking down the criminals you love,” he said on social media Saturday.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche told the outlet that Mr. Patel “remains a critical player on the administration’s law and order team.”
“Anonymously sourced hit pieces do not constitute journalism,” Mr. Blanche added.
The FBI responded to The Atlantic with a statement, attributed to Mr. Patel: “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court — bring your checkbook.”
