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FBI Denies Reported Leak Probe as New Patel Bourbon Allegations Emerge

The clash spotlights press‑freedom risks alongside new ethics questions for the FBI.

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FBI probing journalist who exposed Kash Patel's drinking; New report says he handed out branded bourbon on duty | Today News
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An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows FBI Director Kash Patel at a Department of Justice news conference, Image 2 shows Four bottles of Woodford Reserve Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey are on display at Kentucky Oaks 152, Image 3 shows A product display page for "The Kash Foundation," showing various apparel and accessories such as hoodies, t-shirts, pins, playing cards, scarves, and beanies, with prices listed

Overview

  • MS NOW reported Wednesday that the FBI opened a criminal insider‑threat leak probe targeting Atlantic reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick, a claim the bureau flatly denied.
  • The Atlantic later published new reporting that Director Kash Patel has handed out personalized Woodford Reserve bottles engraved with his name and an FBI badge and has traveled with cases of the whiskey on official trips.
  • An FBI spokesperson said such commemorative gifts are routine across government and said Patel pays for personal gifts himself.
  • Reporters and sources in the MS NOW account said a journalist‑focused insider‑threat case would be highly unusual because leak probes typically target government employees and classified disclosures.
  • The dispute unfolds alongside Patel’s $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic and follows earlier FBI steps involving reporters, including a January search of a Washington Post journalist’s home and a short‑lived New York Times inquiry.