House Democrats probe FBI Director Kash Patel over drinking allegations

Key Points:

• House Democrats, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin, have launched an investigation into FBI Director Kash Patel following allegations from The Atlantic about his excessive drinking and erratic behavior, demanding he complete a test on hazardous drinking behaviors under penalty of perjury.
• Patel has denied the allegations, stating he has never been intoxicated on the job, and has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic and the article’s author, accusing them of publishing false and fabricated claims.
• The Atlantic’s report, based on anonymous sources, detailed incidents including an emotional outburst and difficulties waking Patel due to alleged heavy drinking, which Patel and his supporters vehemently dispute.
• House Judiciary Committee Republicans have dismissed the Democrats’ probe as politically motivated and "unserious," praising Patel’s leadership and crediting him with contributing to record-low crime rates.
• Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and White House officials have expressed skepticism about the anonymous sourcing in the report, while continuing to publicly support Patel’s role in the administration.