Kash Patel

A federal judge blocked FBI Director Kash Patel and the Trump administration’s plan to move FBI headquarters from the aging J. Edgar Hoover Building to the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, D.C. The ruling, favoring Maryland and Prince George’s County, found the decision violated federal site-selection laws and congressional mandates. The judge ordered restoration of plans to build a new complex in Greenbelt, Maryland, though Congress has not yet approved funding. The dispute, ongoing for nearly two decades, continues.

8 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 18, 08:54 PM UTC

A federal judge in Nevada dismissed FBI Director Kash Patel's $10 million defamation lawsuit against blogger Jim Stewartson, who had called Patel a 'googly-eyed Kremlin bitch' and a 'chud.' Chief District Judge Andrew Gordon ruled that the court lacked personal jurisdiction over Stewartson, who has no meaningful ties to Nevada. Patel had initially won a $250,000 default judgment in August 2025 after Stewartson failed to respond, but Stewartson later successfully challenged that ruling. The judge's final order notably included the insult in a footnote. Stewartson celebrated the dismissal on social media, declaring that people are now free to refer to Patel with those terms without legal repercussions. The article notes that Patel, following President Trump's lead, has filed six defamation lawsuits against journalists in seven years, including a recent $250 million suit against The Atlantic.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 02:18 PM UTC

The FBI's Rapid Response account on X launched a social media attack on The Atlantic after the magazine filed a motion to dismiss Kash Patel's $250 million defamation lawsuit. The Atlantic argued Patel failed to plausibly allege actual malice in its April article, which reported that Patel drank to excess, delayed operations, and was often unreachable, raising national security concerns. The FBI account called The Atlantic a 'slop rag' with 'zero interest in real journalism.' The Atlantic also filed a motion to stay discovery except for Touhy requests, allowing it to seek documents from the FBI and DOJ. Editor Jeffrey Goldberg stated, 'If Director Patel did not want to face this process, he should not have filed this suit.' The article questions the appropriateness of a government agency defending its director in such a manner.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 03:06 PM UTC

The Atlantic has filed a motion to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by FBI Director Kash Patel. The lawsuit, filed in April, stems from The Atlantic's reporting that alleged Patel engaged in excessive drinking and questioned his job performance. Patel claims the magazine defamed him by relying on sources who were not in a position to know the facts. The Atlantic argues the lawsuit is an unconstitutional assault on press freedom. The case highlights ongoing tensions between the FBI leadership and media outlets over coverage of official conduct.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 01:03 PM UTC

FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly traveling to Moscow to meet with Russia's FSB security service, a visit that comes amid plummeting trust among US allies in American intelligence agencies. While such high-level contacts occurred under previous administrations, Patel's controversial reputation—described as thin-skinned and bombastic—and his refusal to acknowledge Russian interference in US politics have alarmed partners. The article also criticizes former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and her temporary replacement Bill Pulte, as well as President Trump's careless handling of classified information, including storing documents at Mar-a-Lago and sharing secrets with Russians. The analysis warns that these patterns are eroding the credibility and reliability of US intelligence sharing with allies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 09:17 AM UTC

A collection of cultural artifacts looted from Indonesia's Papua region and illegally taken to the United States has been returned to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The handover occurred on Wednesday at Prabowo's residence in Jakarta during a meeting with FBI Director Kash Patel. Indonesian officials confirmed the return to reporters, highlighting ongoing cooperation between the U.S. and Indonesia in combating illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. The artifacts, originating from Papua, were recovered as part of FBI efforts to repatriate stolen cultural property. This event underscores bilateral law enforcement collaboration and efforts to preserve Indonesia's cultural heritage.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 10:29 PM UTC

A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance was placed on administrative leave for allegedly leaking information to the press. The leak followed reports that Vance's security detail complained about his use of a military helicopter to take his son to a golf lesson at Joint Base Andrews, calling it an inappropriate use of government resources. The Secret Service's internal affairs department is reviewing the agent's conduct, with potential administrative or criminal consequences. The article also notes broader Trump administration efforts to crack down on leaks, including FBI Director Kash Patel and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles overseeing a probe that forced officials to hand over phones and subpoenaed four New York Times journalists.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:19 PM UTC

A Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance was placed on administrative leave for allegedly leaking information to the press about Vance's travel and use of government resources. The leaks followed reports that agents complained about Vance using a military helicopter to take his son to a golf lesson at Joint Base Andrews, calling it an inappropriate use of resources. The Secret Service's internal affairs department is reviewing the agent's conduct, with potential administrative or criminal consequences. Separately, the article describes the Trump administration's broader crackdown on leaks, including FBI Director Kash Patel and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles overseeing a probe that forced officials to hand over phones and issued subpoenas to four New York Times journalists. The article also covers Trump's nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, which reportedly leaves the door open for future enrichment and does not require Saudi recognition of Israel.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:19 PM UTC

A Secret Service agent assigned to protect Vice President JD Vance was placed on administrative leave for allegedly leaking information to the press. The leaks followed reports that Vance's security detail complained about his use of a military helicopter to take his son to a golf lesson at Joint Base Andrews, which agents considered an inappropriate use of government resources. The Secret Service's internal affairs department is reviewing the agent's conduct, with potential administrative or criminal consequences. The article also notes that the Trump administration has intensified efforts to crack down on media leaks, with FBI Director Kash Patel and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles personally overseeing a probe that has forced officials to hand over phones and issued subpoenas to four New York Times journalists.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 01:19 PM UTC

FBI Director Kash Patel met with the Cambodian prime minister to coordinate efforts against cybercrime and romance scams, which have surged in Southeast Asia. The visit comes as a United Nations report estimates that online scams could cost victims in the Asia-Pacific region up to $114 billion in 2025. The meeting underscores growing international concern over transnational cybercrime networks operating from Cambodia and neighboring countries, often targeting individuals globally through sophisticated fraud schemes.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:57 PM UTC

The article argues that major charitable giving platforms should reconsider their automatic trust in the Department of Justice under the Trump administration, following the DOJ's indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in April 2026. Three large platforms froze donations to SPLC based solely on the indictment, despite no conviction or IRS action. The author notes that federal courts across the ideological spectrum have repeatedly refused to credit DOJ representations, citing false statements, pretextual justifications, and retaliatory prosecutions. The SPLC indictment is framed as part of a broader administration campaign against civil rights organizations, following a National Security Presidential Memorandum targeting nonprofits. The piece warns that private institutions risk becoming agents of this effort by treating accusations as punishment, undermining civil society funding.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 01:15 PM UTC

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing intense criticism from across the political spectrum over his planned trip to Russia in October 2026, which will likely be hosted by the FSB, successor to the KGB. The trip marks the first visit by a sitting FBI director to Moscow since Robert Mueller in 2013. Critics include Occupy Democrats, far-right activist Laura Loomer, and Democratic Representative Andy Kim, who accuse Patel of cozying up to a hostile security apparatus amid ongoing U.S.-Russia tensions and sanctions. Patel's short tenure has been plagued by controversies, including reported drinking problems, temper issues, and misuse of taxpayer funds for private jet flights. The article notes that both right and center-left observers are suspicious of Patel's motives, especially given the Trump administration's perceived deference to the Kremlin.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:54 PM UTC

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing intense bipartisan backlash over his planned trip to Russia in October, where he will likely be hosted by the FSB, the successor to the KGB. The trip, reported by Politico, has shocked both Democrats and Republicans. Critics include Occupy Democrats, who highlight Patel's history of dismissing Trump-Russia collusion investigations as a 'hoax,' and far-right ally Laura Loomer, who notes Patel's past as an unregistered lobbyist for Qatar and the timing of the trip as the White House prepares sanctions on Russia. Democratic Representative Andy Kim criticized the trip as part of the Trump administration's pattern of treating enemies like friends. Patel's short tenure as FBI director has been marked by controversies including a reported drinking problem, temper issues, and misuse of taxpayer funds for private jet flights with his girlfriend. It remains unclear whether Patel plans to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:54 PM UTC

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing sharp criticism from both Democrats and Republicans over his planned trip to Russia in October, where he will likely be hosted by the FSB, Russia's security service. The trip marks the first visit by a sitting FBI director to Moscow since Robert Mueller in 2013. Critics, including Occupy Democrats, far-right activist Laura Loomer, and Democratic Representative Andy Kim, have questioned Patel's motives, given his past dismissal of the Trump-Russia investigation as a 'hoax' and the Trump administration's simultaneous imposition of sanctions on Russia. The article also highlights Patel's controversial tenure, including reports of a drinking problem, temper issues, and misuse of taxpayer funds for private jet flights with his girlfriend. The trip has raised suspicions across the political spectrum, especially amid the administration's perceived deference to the Kremlin.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 01:54 PM UTC

On July 20, 2026, a suspect launched fireworks and poured gasoline on the stairs of 26 Federal Plaza in Manhattan, a building housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), immigration courts, and the FBI's New York field office. The resulting fire caused two minor injuries: a federal officer who tackled the suspect and a bystander grazed during the incident. The FBI's Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the event as an 'anti-government attack.' The suspect, described as an anti-ICE protester, was taken into custody and reportedly carried a sign reading 'ICE Off Our Streets.' Authorities recovered a pellet gun, a hammer, and a knife from the scene. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called the incident 'deeply disturbing' and pledged support for the federal investigation.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 05:55 PM UTC

The article analyzes Donald Trump's intensifying campaign against the press, moving from incendiary rhetoric to concrete legal actions. It details recent subpoenas issued to three New York Times journalists by a federal grand jury in Manhattan, related to a leak about Trump's new Air Force One lacking anti-missile capabilities. The White House reportedly directed FBI Director Kash Patel to oversee the leak investigation. Separately, FBI agents seized computers and phones from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The Justice Department defends the subpoenas as routine, but media advocates argue they threaten press freedom and source confidentiality. The piece notes Trump's history of threatening to jail reporters, his barrage of defamation lawsuits, and fears the administration may use the Espionage Act to prosecute journalists for publishing classified information. The article frames these actions as a deliberate assault on independent journalism and democratic accountability.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:00 AM UTC

The article analyzes Donald Trump's intensifying campaign against the press, moving from incendiary rhetoric to concrete legal actions. It details recent subpoenas issued to three New York Times journalists by a federal grand jury in Manhattan, related to a leak about Trump's new Air Force One lacking anti-missile capabilities. The White House reportedly directed FBI Director Kash Patel to oversee the leak investigation. Separately, FBI agents seized computers and phones from Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson. The Justice Department defends these actions as standard investigative procedure, but media advocates argue they threaten press freedom and source confidentiality. The article notes Trump's history of threatening reporters with jail, filing defamation lawsuits, and the potential use of the Espionage Act against journalists. Media lawyers warn this represents an unprecedented assault on the First Amendment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:00 AM UTC

The New Yorker analysis details Donald Trump's escalating campaign against the press, moving from rhetoric to legal action. The article focuses on recent subpoenas issued to three New York Times journalists over a leak about Trump's new Air Force One lacking anti-missile capabilities. The Justice Department, under acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, defends the subpoenas as routine material witness requests, but media advocates see them as intimidation. The piece also notes an FBI raid on Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson's home and subpoenas against other journalists that were later withdrawn. Media lawyers warn the administration may use the Espionage Act to prosecute journalists for publishing classified information, which would represent a dramatic escalation. The article frames these actions as part of Trump's long-promised assault on press freedom, threatening the confidentiality that enables investigative reporting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 10:00 AM UTC

This analysis argues that President Donald Trump's actions, including reposting a racist attack on Somali kindergarteners, escalating ICE raids resulting in two deaths, subpoenaing New York Times journalists, and announcing a plan to seize the Strait of Hormuz for toll collection, form a coherent authoritarian project. The author contends that these attacks on vulnerable minorities, immigrants, press freedom, and international law are part of a broader strategy to consolidate power. However, the piece notes that voters and courts are pushing back against these measures, suggesting resistance to the administration's authoritarian drift.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:00 AM UTC

This opinion article argues that President Donald Trump's actions, including reposting a racist attack on Somali kindergarteners in Minneapolis, escalating ICE raids resulting in two deaths, doubling daily immigrant arrest rates to over 2,000, subpoenaing New York Times journalists, and announcing a plan to seize the Strait of Hormuz for toll collection, form a coherent authoritarian project. The author contends that these actions target vulnerable minorities, undermine the rule of law, and resemble a protection racket. However, the article notes that voters and courts are pushing back against these measures.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:00 AM UTC

This opinion article argues that President Donald Trump's administration is pursuing a coherent authoritarian project, targeting vulnerable groups such as Somali kindergarteners and immigrants. It details recent ICE actions, including the killing of two individuals (Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas and Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine) and a doubling of daily immigrant arrest rates to over 2,000. The article also covers the subpoenaing of New York Times journalists for reporting on security risks of Trump using a Qatari-donated Air Force One, FBI interviews of voter registration activists in Ohio, and Trump's announcement of seizing control of the Strait of Hormuz to charge tolls. The author frames these actions as evidence of escalating authoritarianism, but notes pushback from voters and courts.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 09:00 AM UTC

Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened a 'Ministerial on the Resurgence of Political Terrorism' on July 16, 2026, with diplomats from dozens of countries to discuss combating left-wing terrorism. Attendees included FBI Director Kash Patel, White House adviser Stephen Miller, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar. Rubio characterized leftist ideologies as inherently violent, while Miller touted President Trump's National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM-7) directing law enforcement to disrupt and prosecute left-wing political terrorists. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent referenced an assassination attempt against him by a left-wing activist. The article, from The New Republic, criticizes the administration for ignoring right-wing terrorism and for using broad definitions to crack down on dissidents. A second story reports that Georgia Republican Senate nominee Mike Collins has close ties to a white nationalist influencer, his son-in-law David Alan Scheer II, who shares Nazi and antisemitic content online.

1 reports · 1 sources

According to a New York Times report cited by Raw Story, FBI Director Kash Patel allegedly erupted at an FBI official who suggested that the full-time security detail assigned to his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, required an ethics review. The incident reportedly occurred after officials recommended a legal and threat assessment to determine if the lavish protection was necessary or ethical. Patel allegedly berated the official, asserting that his authority alone justified the arrangement. An FBI spokesman subsequently denied these claims, stating that Patel did not order improper actions or berate agents. The report highlights that Patel assigned four SWAT agents and two SUVs to guard and chauffeur Wilkins in Nashville, a setup estimated to cost taxpayers approximately $1 million annually. This revelation adds to growing scrutiny of Patel's tenure, which includes controversies such as an investigation into a reporter who profiled Wilkins, expensive concert suites during official travel, and using agents for personal errands. No previous FBI director's partner has received such extensive government security.

1 reports · 1 sources

US officials suspect Iranian hackers breached automatic tank gauge systems at gas stations across multiple states by exploiting internet-connected devices lacking password protection. While attackers altered displayed fuel levels, actual quantities remained unaffected, and no physical damage occurred. However, experts warn this access could conceal safety hazards like leaks. The incident highlights vulnerabilities in US critical infrastructure and rising cyber tensions with Iran, raising national security concerns despite the absence of definitive forensic evidence linking the attacks directly to Tehran.

5 reports · 5 sources · Updated May 16, 06:52 PM UTC

Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, an Iraqi commander of the Iran-backed Kata’ib Hizballah, has been charged in a Manhattan federal court with conspiring to commit terrorist attacks. Allegedly acting in retaliation for US-Israeli military actions against Iran, he directed at least 18 attacks in Europe and two in Canada, including arson and stabbings. He also plotted to bomb a New York synagogue and other US Jewish sites, attempting to recruit an undercover FBI agent. His arrest highlights significant international security concerns regarding Iranian-linked retaliatory terrorism.

31 reports · 23 sources · Updated May 17, 09:07 PM UTC

FBI Director Kash Patel announced significant law enforcement achievements during National Police Week, highlighting the arrest of over two dozen members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua through Joint Task Force Vulcan. The operation resulted in the seizure of 80 firearms, 18 kilograms of narcotics, and over $100,000 in cash. A key milestone was the extradition of Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, the highest-ranking gang member brought to justice. Patel also detailed other major cases, including federal charges against Arcadia, California Mayor Eileen Wang for acting as an illegal agent of China by spreading pro-PRC propaganda. Additional victories included dismantling a $48 million publishing scam targeting seniors in San Diego, charging individuals connected to the 2024 Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore, and securing convictions in multiple child exploitation and kidnapping cases across New York, Seattle, and Albany. Patel credited these efforts with contributing to the safest America in decades, emphasizing the collaborative work of FBI divisions and local law enforcement partners in combating transnational crime, foreign influence, and violent offenses.

1 reports · 1 sources

This opinion piece from Esquire critically analyzes reports that President Donald Trump is set to drop a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. In exchange, the administration allegedly plans to establish a $1.7 billion compensation fund using taxpayer money. This fund would compensate individuals and entities claiming they were wrongfully targeted by the previous Biden administration, potentially including those charged in the January 6 Capitol attack. The article highlights concerns about the lack of oversight, noting that Trump could remove commission members without cause and that decision-making processes need not be disclosed. While Trump may be barred from direct payments, associated entities are not explicitly excluded. The author condemns this arrangement as an unprecedented misuse of public funds and a meritless settlement. Additionally, the piece criticizes FBI Director Kash Patel for participating in a controversial VIP snorkeling trip near the USS Arizona memorial, framing these events as evidence of ethical decay and unreality within the current administration. The tone is highly critical, describing the leadership as unserious and corrupt.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Democratic Party is strategically positioning an anti-corruption agenda as a central pillar for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Aimed at reclaiming control of Congress from Republicans, the party has established a specialized task force to overhaul ethics rules and protect ballot access. This strategy mirrors successful opposition campaigns seen internationally, such as the one that ousted Viktor Orbán in Hungary. Key initiatives include cracking down on legislative loopholes related to insider trading, prediction markets, and cryptocurrency scams, addressing growing bipartisan concerns about officials profiting from their positions. Democrats are also highlighting alleged misconduct within the Trump administration, including accusations that FBI Director Kash Patel dismantled the public corruption team. While over 200 Democrats have aligned with the End Citizens United PAC to reject corporate money and ban stock trading, polls indicate that voters in battleground districts do not yet view Democrats as superior to the GOP on corruption issues. Analysts suggest that linking anti-corruption messages to affordability and potentially adopting right-leaning ideas like term limits could be necessary to gain a decisive electoral advantage and diminish the influence of Trump’s political brand.

1 reports · 1 sources

FBI Director Kash Patel is under intense scrutiny after reports revealed he participated in a VIP snorkeling excursion around the USS Arizona Memorial during an official trip to Hawaii. Critics and veterans’ groups condemn the act as disrespectful to the sacred military cemetery, while the FBI defends it as a solemn historical engagement honoring fallen service members. The controversy, fueled by leaked emails, raises ethical questions about mixing leisure with official duties and adds to existing criticisms of Patel’s conduct and use of government resources.

8 reports · 8 sources · Updated May 18, 05:41 AM UTC

Former Representative Dan Bishop, a Trump loyalist appointed to oversee a Justice Department investigation into 2020 election fraud claims, is utilizing generative artificial intelligence to pursue theories previously rejected by the FBI. According to The New York Times, Bishop remained skeptical after FBI Director Kash Patel and other officials briefed him that anomalies in Texas voter registration data were likely caused by clerical errors rather than fraud. Despite the FBI's conclusion, Bishop conducted his own AI-driven analysis, concluded the agency was wrong, and urged investigators to reopen the line of inquiry. This incident highlights concerns within the Trump administration about placing untested loyalists in charge of sensitive criminal investigations that align with the President's political agenda. Bishop, who refused to certify Joe Biden's 2020 victory, exemplifies the administration's willingness to chase slim evidence supporting persistent claims of rigged elections. The report underscores tensions between political appointees and career law enforcement officials regarding the validity of election fraud allegations involving voting machines and registration records.

1 reports · 1 sources