Kashi Patel Will not “put down” and simply accept what is being written about him. The FBI director stepped up his criticism of the “fake media” after The Atlantic reported that the 46-year-old had behaved inappropriately, drank too much and was even “paranoid” about losing his job. Patel threatened legal action against the publication.
Earlier this week, The Atlantic’s Sarah Fitzpatrick reported that Patel experienced a brief “panic” this month when he was unable to access his internal computing systems. He was worried he would be fired. However, this is not the case. The problem has been solved.
“People close to the director say he himself has said he believes his firing is imminent or imminent,” Fitzpatrick told CNN on Friday. “I think this is being discussed behind closed doors in Washington. In fact, senior administration officials are discussing openly who will be the next FBI director.”
Read more: ‘Kash Patel had five weeks’: FBI director’s ‘panicked’ response after explosive firing allegations
The report further quoted sources as saying that Patel was seen drunk at several venues in Washington.
Kash Patel’s latest threat to The Atlantic
Speaking to Maria Bartiromo on Sunday Morning Futures, Patel confirmed he planned to sue over the report and recommended immediate action.
“So, you know what? They can bang the drums and stand next to toxic waste all they want, but that doesn’t mean toxic waste,” he began, before declaring: “And, Maria, I’m happy to announce on your show that we’re not going to give up on this. If you want to attack my character, come to me. I’ll see you in court.”
When pressed further, Patel doubled down.
“Yes. Yes, I would, because of slander, because, you know what, Maria? We have to fight back against fake news. That’s one of the many things that President Trump has successfully led because no one has been attacked as baselessly and as much as he has been. And our leaders who have been attacked under his brilliant leadership have to do the same.”
Read more: Kash Patel’s girlfriend shares update on drinking dispute; FBI director takes action
“Fake News Mafia”
Patel, 46, also used the interview to defend his leadership of the FBI while echoing rhetoric often used by President Donald Trump against the media.
“So we’re going to keep fighting and if the fake news mafia wants to, you know, beat their drum as loud as they can, they will never stop me from fulfilling the mission that President Trump asked me to do, which is to protect America. And we’re doing it better than ever,” he vowed.
He added that litigation was imminent, telling Bartiromo: “Of course. It will happen tomorrow.”
In X post, Patel has threatened to sue.
“Fake News Memo – The only time I’m really worried about the hot lies you write about me is when you stop. Keep going, it means I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing. No amount of bullshit you write will stop the FBI from making America safe again and taking down the criminals you love,” he tweeted.
