World
Polygraph At FBI: Kash Patel's New Orde After explosive bourbon report
FBI Director Kash Patel has ordered polygraph examinations for more than two dozen current and former members of his security detail and other staff, as he intensifies efforts to identify leakers amid a wave of damaging media reports, according to multiple sources.
The move, described by two people briefed on the matter as occurring this week, comes as Patel appears increasingly isolated and concerned about his position. Sources say he has walled himself off from some senior FBI leaders, raising internal concerns about his engagement with critical operations and national security matters.
Polygraph Order Sparks Internal Concern
The polygraphs target individuals with close access to Patel, including members of his protective detail and information technology staff. The goal, according to sources, is to determine who may have shared sensitive or embarrassing details with reporters.
This development follows a recent MS NOW report revealing that Patel had directed agents to open a criminal leak investigation into a The Atlantic story detailing allegations of excessive drinking. Agents reportedly expressed deep discomfort with the probe, viewing it as lacking proper justification.
FBI Assistant Director Ben Williamson strongly denied that Patel is disconnected from his leadership team.
“I’ve been in the usual operational leader meetings with him every day this week … it’s false,” Williamson said.
“The only people in panic are the ‘panicans’ in the media pushing out false stories.”
Pattern of Controversies
The polygraph order is the latest in a series of controversies surrounding Patel’s leadership:
- Custom Whiskey Gifts: The Atlantic reported that Patel travels with personalized Woodford Reserve bourbon bottles engraved with “Kash Patel FBI Director,” “Ka$h,” and an FBI shield. The FBI defended the practice as consistent with long-standing agency traditions for commemorative gifts, stating Patel pays for any personal ones himself and has never consumed the alcohol from them.
- Drinking Allegations: A previous Atlantic report claimed security team members had difficulty waking Patel on multiple occasions. Patel denied the claims and filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the magazine.
- Milan Olympics Trip: Videos emerged of Patel celebrating with the U.S. men’s hockey team after their gold medal win, including drinking beer in the locker room. Sources said the optics displeased President Trump.
- Girlfriend’s Security: Patel has faced questions over providing a security detail and government resources for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.
White House Watching Closely
Sources say President Trump and senior White House officials have grown frustrated with the steady stream of negative headlines about Patel. Discussions about potentially replacing him were reportedly held as early as late 2025.Patel, a longtime Trump loyalist, was appointed to lead the FBI with a mandate to overhaul the agency. However, just months into the job, his personal style and management decisions have generated significant internal and external backlash.
The FBI maintains that Patel is focused on delivering results, including what it calls “record-breaking success in reduction in crime.” The situation remains fluid as Patel navigates intense media scrutiny, internal tensions, and questions about his leadership approach at the country’s premier law enforcement agency.
