Concerns mount over FBI Director Kash Patel’s conduct, availability; he hits back at report

Weather ePaper Today’s Paper Journalism of Courage Home ePaper Politics Explained Opinion India Business Premium Cities UPSC Entertainment Sports World Lifestyle Tech Subscribe Sign In TrendingUPSC OfferIPL 2026US NewsPuzzles & GamesLegal NewsFresh TakeHealthResearch🎙️ Podcast Advertisement NewsWorldUS NewsConcerns mount over FBI Director Kash Patel’s conduct, availability; he hits back at report Concerns mount over FBI Director Kash Patel’s conduct, availability; he hits back at report FBI Director Kash Patel faces internal scrutiny and denies misconduct allegations. By: Express Global Desk 4 min readApr 19, 2026 12:18 AM IST First published on: Apr 19, 2026 at 12:14 AM IST Make us preferred source on Google Share Comments Bookmark Bookmark Print Share Whatsapp twitter Facebook FBI Director Kash Patel (AP Photo) Fresh concerns have surfaced within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) over the conduct and availability of its Director Kash Patel, according to a report by The Atlantic. The report, based on interviews with current and former officials, points to unease inside the agency at a time when the United States is navigating multiple security challenges, including tensions involving Iran under President Donald Trump. An incident earlier this month appears to have intensified concerns. According to the report, Patel believed he had been removed from his post after encountering issues logging into an internal system. He reportedly contacted aides and others, saying he had been dismissed. “It was all ultimately false,” one official was quoted as saying, adding that the issue appeared to be a technical problem that was quickly resolved. The episode triggered confusion within the bureau, with officials and lawmakers seeking clarity on leadership. Patel, however, continued in his role. The report also cites multiple officials raising concerns about Patel’s conduct, including allegations of excessive drinking and periods of unavailability. Some officials claimed meetings had to be delayed, while others described difficulty reaching him at key moments. In certain instances, it is alleged that even members of his security team were unable to contact him while he was behind locked doors. These claims have not been independently verified. Patel has denied wrongdoing. In a response cited in the report, he said: “Print it, all false, I’ll see you in court—bring your checkbook.” Responding publicly, Patel dismissed the report in strong terms. In a post, he said: “Memo to the fake news – the only time I’ll ever actually be concerned about the hit piece lies you write about me will be when you stop. Keep talking, it means I’m doing exactly what I should be doing. And no amount of BS you write will ever deter this FBI from making America safe again and taking down the criminals you love.” Memo to the fake news – the only time I’ll ever actually be concerned about the hit piece lies you write about me will be when you stop. Keep talking, it means I’m doing exactly what I should be doing. And no amount of BS you write will ever deter this FBI from making America… He framed the criticism as politically motivated and asserted that it would not impact the agency’s work. The White House has strongly defended Patel. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said that under Trump and Patel, “crime across the country has dropped to the lowest level in more than 100 years”. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche also supported Patel, stating, “Patel has accomplished more in 14 months than the previous administration did in four years.” Officials have dismissed the report as relying on anonymous sources. The report highlights growing divisions within the FBI since Patel took charge in 2025. Some officials said he has removed or reassigned personnel linked to past investigations involving Trump, while others flagged delays in decision-making attributed to his absence. Patel’s appointment followed a closely contested confirmation process in the US Senate. A former national security official, he has been known for his strong alignment with Trump. During his confirmation hearing, Patel had said there would be “no retributive actions” against FBI staff. However, concerns about the agency’s direction have persisted among critics. The Atlantic report notes that some within the administration are discussing possible replacements, though no formal decision has been announced. The Express Global Desk at The Indian Express delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More