WASHINGTON, D.C. — Kash Patel, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, accusing the publication of publishing false claims about his conduct and job performance.
The lawsuit, submitted in a federal court in Washington, D.C., challenges a recent article that alleged Patel engaged in excessive drinking and had inconsistent attendance at FBI headquarters. The report also suggested his absence delayed key operational decisions.
Patel’s legal filing disputes those claims, calling them “false and fabricated,” and lists multiple statements from the article that his legal team argues are defamatory. Among them are allegations that he frequently drank to the point of intoxication and was irregularly present for official duties.
The article, written by journalist Sarah Fitzpatrick, cited unnamed current and former officials as sources. Patel’s lawsuit contends the publication acted recklessly by publishing information that he says could have been easily disproven.
In response, The Atlantic said it stands by its reporting and intends to vigorously defend both the publication and its journalists against the lawsuit.
This marks Patel’s second legal action related to similar allegations. He previously filed a lawsuit against former FBI official and media analyst Frank Figliuzzi over claims regarding his personal conduct, a case that remains ongoing.
Patel’s attorney, Jesse Binnall, has not yet issued additional public comments on the latest filing.
The case could set up a high-profile legal battle over media reporting standards, anonymous sourcing, and defamation claims involving senior federal officials.