Patel files $250M defamation suit against The Atlantic over drinking allegations

FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit in a DC federal court against The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, accusing the magazine of publishing false, malice-driven claims that he periodically drank heavily and was unfit for duty. The Atlantic and Fitzpatrick say the reporting is thorough and will be defended vigorously, noting they relied on numerous sources and pre-publication denials, while Patel’s team argues the piece ignored denials and basic investigative steps to counter its central thesis.