Kash Patel clashes with media on alcohol use, insists he’s never been drunk on job

Published April 21, 2026 9:29pm ET | Updated April 21, 2026 9:29pm ET



FBI Director Kash Patel ripped allegations from the Atlantic that claimed he had a drinking problem, telling reporters in a press conference on Tuesday evening, “Any one of you that wants to participate, bring it on, I’ll see you in court.”

Patel filed a lawsuit against the Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick on Monday after the publication wrote an article that included anonymous claims alleging Patel has had “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences.” Answering questions from reporters on Tuesday about the claims, Patel blasted the allegations.

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