FBI: Kash Patel ordered polygraph tests for FBI staffers to identify alleged leaks behind negative stories about his leadership: report

Kashi Patel He has ordered polygraph tests on more than two dozen current and former members of the FBI’s Security Service as he searches for alleged leaks within the FBI, MS NOW reported, citing sources.The review extends beyond Patel’s security team to include IT staff and other employees who have access to details about his schedule and internal decision-making. The move comes after Patel’s handling of the bureau prompted a spate of negative press and questions about his conduct in office. They included accusations of drinking too much, missing important meetings, using agency resources on his girlfriend and using taxpayer money to secure expensive planes and cars.Patel ordered a polygraph test this week to determine who at the agency may have spoken to reporters. According to sources cited by MS NOW, members of the team traveling with Patel were among those targeted, as were staff handling operational information.Meanwhile, Patel has reportedly distanced himself from some senior FBI leaders. The director has had limited contact with key operating officials this week, sources said. The situation has raised concerns among some within the FBI that the director may not be closely involved in key investigative and national security matters.FBI spokesman Ben Williamson denied that Patel walked out of the senior staff meeting. He also declined to comment directly on the use of polygraphs.“I’ve been in routine operational leadership meetings with him every day this week … and that’s wrong,” Williamson said.“The only people who are panicking are the ‘fearmongers’ in the media who are spreading false stories because they spend zero time reporting on the FBI’s record-breaking success in reducing crime,” he added.It follows reports that Patel recently ordered FBI agents to launch a criminal leak investigation into an article published by The Atlantic. The article claimed that Patel drank so much that he had difficulty waking up the next morning.Some agents are uneasy about the investigation because they believe there is no good reason to scrutinize journalists’ reporting activities. Agents also worry that refusing to participate could jeopardize their jobs.The FBI and Justice Department only launch criminal breach investigations when they believe classified information has been compromised. Unless there are serious national security concerns, such cases rarely involve attempts to examine journalists’ records.Patel’s behavior and polygraph tests reveal growing anxiety about his status as US president Donald Trump. According to MS NOW sources, Trump and senior White House aides have become increasingly frustrated with the negative press surrounding Patel. There is also speculation that Kash Patel may be fired as FBI director.This is not the first time Patel has been accused of using polygraph examinations within the bureau. In an earlier incident, dozens of agents were tested after reports that Patel had requested a gun through official channels, with agents later discussing the details of the request.Questions about Patel’s leadership have dogged him for months. In late 2025, reports surfaced that Trump and White House advisers had privately discussed whether he should remain FBI director.Patel has also come under scrutiny for his use of FBI resources by his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. He ordered a Nashville SWAT team to provide her with protection and transportation, the report said. His office defended the arrangement, saying she had received threats and needed extra security.Further criticism followed allegations that Patel used government planes for personal travel, including travel related to Wilkins’ performance. He also attracted attention earlier this year after traveling to Milan during the Winter Olympics. Officials said the trip involved a security meeting, but video later showed Patel drinking beer and spraying alcohol in the locker room as he celebrated after winning the gold medal with the U.S. men’s ice hockey team.