Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleAndrew FeinbergSaturday 25 April 2026 16:30 BSTKash Patel who is suing over unflattering article says he and Trump are 'as tough as they come'FBI Director Kash Patel is facing allegations of excessive drinking, leading him to file a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine.The Intercept uncovered documents revealing Patel's past admissions of two arrests: one for public intoxication as a minor and another for public urination as a law student.Patel detailed these incidents in a letter for his Florida Bar application, asserting they were not representative of his usual behavior.President Donald Trump continues to back Patel, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating Trump maintains confidence in the FBI director.Patel's spokesperson, Erica Knight, dismissed the reports as an “attack” and a “distraction” from the FBI's successful efforts under his leadership.In fullKash Patel has admitted to alcohol-related crimes, report reveals, as Trump stands by FBI directorThank 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