FBI chief files defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic

FBI Director Kash Patel has launched a defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick after the publication of an article alleging he had a drinking problem that could pose risks to US national security, as per Reuters.

The lawsuit, filed Monday, April 20, in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, seeks $250 million in damages. Patel rejects the claims and accuses the magazine of relying on anonymous sources to publish what he describes as false and damaging allegations.

The article, originally titled “Kash Patel’s Erratic Behaviour Could Cost Him His Job” and later updated online as “The FBI Director Is MIA,” cited more than two dozen unnamed sources. These sources raised concerns about Patel’s “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences,” which they said had alarmed officials within the FBI and the Department of Justice. The report also claimed early meetings were rescheduled due to “alcohol-fueled nights” and that Patel was frequently unavailable, delaying time-sensitive investigative decisions.

In the same article, the White House, the Department of Justice and Patel himself denied the allegations. A statement attributed to Patel read: “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court—bring your checkbook.”

Patel reiterated his position in comments to Reuters, saying: “The Atlantic’s story is a lie. They were given the truth before they published, and they chose to print falsehoods anyway.”

According to the complaint, Patel’s lawyer Jesse Binnall sent a letter to the magazine shortly before publication on Friday, requesting additional time to respond to 19 allegations outlined by the reporter. The lawsuit states the letter was sent shortly before 4:00 p.m., while the article was published at 6:20 p.m. Reuters said it could not determine whether or how the publication responded.

The lawsuit alleges the magazine acted with “actual malice,” arguing it ignored detailed rebuttals and proceeded without allowing sufficient time for a response. “Defendants cannot evade responsibility for their malicious lies by hiding behind sham sources,” the complaint states, adding that the article was “replete with false and obviously fabricated allegations designed to destroy Director Patel’s reputation and drive him from office.”

In response, The Atlantic said it stands by its reporting and will “vigorously defend” against what it called a “meritless lawsuit.” Fitzpatrick noted she interviewed more than two dozen individuals and granted anonymity to allow them to discuss sensitive matters.

Binnall, who represents Patel, is a prominent Republican lawyer known for representing Donald Trump in multiple civil cases, as well as figures including Donald Trump Jr. and Michael Flynn.

By Tamilla Hasanova