Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAlex WoodwardWednesday 22 April 2026 00:32 BSTKash Patel vows to file defamation lawsuit against The AtlanticFBI director Kash Patel and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche publicly criticized reporters for questioning allegations from The Atlantic about Patel's conduct.The Atlantic's report describes Patel as a paranoid figure prone to excessive drinking, whose alleged behavior has caused alarm among officials in the administration.Patel vehemently denies the allegations, asserting he has "never been intoxicated on the job" and has initiated a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and its journalist.Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche dismissed the article, expressing concerns about anonymous reporting and stating he was not informed of the alleged issues.The Atlantic has affirmed its commitment to its reporting, vowing to vigorously defend itself and its journalists against Patel's lawsuit.In full‘I never listen to the fake news mafia’: Kash Patel and Todd Blanche lose it with reporters over FBI director allegationsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in