Highlights:
- Kash Patel allegedly fears losing his position as FBI Director
- Report cites concerns over erratic behavior and judgment
- Incident reported where he could not access internal systems
- Claims include concerns about alcohol use and missed duties
- White House has defended his performance and crime control record
Kash Patel is reportedly facing growing uncertainty about his position as head of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, according to a report by The Atlantic, which cites multiple sources familiar with his conduct and internal discussions.
The report claims Patel has expressed concern that he may be removed from his role within the Trump administration. One unnamed FBI official was quoted saying, “We’re all just waiting for the word” that Patel is officially out of the top job. The report states that more than two dozen people were interviewed regarding his behavior and leadership.
According to the publication, Patel’s conduct has been described by some insiders as erratic, with allegations of unexplained absences and impaired judgment. The report also references concerns raised by colleagues regarding his alcohol consumption, including claims that he has appeared intoxicated at private venues in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas, leading to rescheduled meetings.
One incident detailed in the report involved Patel on April 10, when he reportedly could not access an internal computer system. Believing he had been dismissed from his position, he allegedly contacted aides and associates in a state of panic. The issue was later attributed to a technical error, according to people familiar with the situation.
The report further claims that Patel’s security personnel, at times, had difficulty reaching him. On one occasion, there was consideration of using breaching equipment after he did not respond or open a door. Such measures are typically associated with emergency or high-risk security situations.
Concerns about his leadership style have also been raised, with some officials describing his tenure as a “management failure” and suggesting his behavior could pose a “national-security vulnerability.”
However, the White House has publicly defended Patel’s performance. A spokesperson credited him with contributing to a decline in crime rates across the United States, stating that crime has fallen to its lowest level in over a century and highlighting the prosecution of high-profile offenders under his leadership.
