FBI investigating leaks to journalist who wrote explosive article on Kash Patel: Sources

Source: MS NOW

The FBI has launched a criminal leak investigation focusing on an Atlantic magazine journalist who wrote a deeply unflattering account last month of Director Kash Patel's work habits, two people familiar with the matter told MS NOW.

The sources said the so-called insider threat investigation is highly unusual because it did not stem from a disclosure of classified information and because it is focused on leaks to a reporter. The agents involved are part of an insider threats unit based in Huntsville, Alabama, the sources added.

Typically, leak investigations look into government officials who may have disclosed state secrets or classified documents. Journalists who receive and publish such information have typically only been involved as potential witnesses.

The journalist, Sarah Fitzpatrick, cited two dozen anonymous sources in a detailed story reporting that Patel's alcohol consumption and erratic behavior had caused deep concern among FBI officials. Patel was known to drink to the point of intoxication, she reported, adding that on occasion his security detail had trouble waking him in the morning.....

The FBI also launched an internal inquiry after former NBC News contributor Frank Figliuzzi made comments about Patel's alleged socializing and work habits last year on "Morning Joe," two sources familiar with the matter told MS NOW. Patel's lawsuit against Figliuzzi has been thrown out by a judge who ruled his comments amounted to hyperbole.



Read more: https://www.ms.now/news/fbi-investigating-leaks-to-journalist-who-wrote-explosive-article-on-kash-patel-sources

MS NOW EXCLUSIVE:  FBI investigating leaks to journalist who wrote explosive article on Kash Patel: Sources

— MS NOW (@ms.now) 2026-05-06T14:08:26.538Z