News Wrap: Patel sues The Atlantic over story alleging excessive drinking and absences

PBS NewsHour
April 20, 2026
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2 min read

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FBI Director Kash Patel sued The Atlantic over a story alleging excessive drinking and absences.

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FBI Director Kash Patel filed a lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine on Monday. The lawsuit concerns a story published by The Atlantic that alleged "excessive drinking and unexplained absences" by Patel. This legal action indicates a strong denial of the allegations and an effort to challenge the publication's reporting. The suit could lead to a public legal battle over the veracity of the claims and journalistic standards.

What's Being Done

FBI Director Kash Patel filed a lawsuit against The Atlantic magazine.

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<p>Magazine has stood behind the story, which was written by veteran national security reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick</p><p>Kash Patel has followed through on a threat to sue the Atlantic and the author of <a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/kash-patel-fbi-director-drinking-absences/686839/">a story the magazine published</a> that included allegations of “excessive drinking” as well as “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences” while in charge of the law enforcement agency.</p><p>The US attorney general filed a defamation lawsuit in US district court for the District of Columbia that seeks $250m in damages.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/apr/20/kash-patel-lawsuit-the-atlantic">Continue reading...</a>

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