Kash Patel is facing investigation after a report in The Atlantic raised concerns about his behavior and conduct as FBI director.
The outlet reported that more than two dozen sources, including current and former FBI officials and members of Congress, described Patel as “erratic, suspicious of others and prone to jumping to conclusions before having the necessary evidence.”
Some also described his personal conduct as a “national-security vulnerability”, according to the report.
One official quoted in the report said that the prospect of Patel leading during a major crisis, particularly tensions involving Iran, “keeps me up at night.”
The report also raised concerns about alcohol use, stating that Patel was “known to drink to the point of apparent intoxication.”
It further claimed that “meetings were rescheduled for the end of the day due to his drunken nights out” and that on some occasions, “members of his security detail had difficulty waking up Patel because he was intoxicated.”
Sources also said he was “not accessible behind closed doors”, causing concern among colleagues.
Responding to the allegations, Patel strongly denied the claims. He told The Atlantic: “Print it, it’s all lies, I’ll see you in court – bring your checkbook.”
Internal discussions about leadership are reportedly underway at the FBI, although no official decision has been announced, the report said.
