FBI Director Kash Patel is facing intense scrutiny after a US court dismissed one of his defamation lawsuits. Amid the controversy, a separate report has accused him of 'alcoholic behavior.'
The dismissed lawsuit stemmed from remarks by a former FBI assistant director, who claimed Patel had been seen at nightclubs more often than at the bureau's Washington, DC headquarters.
Separately, Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, alleging that its recent article is false and a 'malicious hit piece.'
The Atlantic report cited multiple unnamed sources who alleged instances of excessive drinking and irregular work patterns.
According to the publication, six individuals claimed that meetings and briefings involving Patel were sometimes rescheduled following late nights.
The report also alleged that Patel was seen drinking heavily at private venues in Washington and Las Vegas.
Additionally, officials quoted anonymously in the report described concerns over what they called 'conspicuous inebriation' and unexplained absences.
Democratic Congressman Ted Lieu has called for Patel's removal, stating that he 'appears to be a raging alcoholic' and should 'seek help and treatment.'
The White House has defended Patel's position, citing him as a key figure in Donald Trump's law-and-order team and crediting him with contributing to declining crime rates.
