FBI Director Kash Patel is using his position to target journalists who report on his alleged misconduct, opening a criminal investigation into leaks about his drinking habits and undisciplined behavior. - The investigation follows a libel lawsuit Patel filed against The Atlantic over a story based on two dozen anonymous sources.
- The FBI has also investigated a New York Times reporter for reporting on Patel's use of FBI resources for his girlfriend. - The Justice Department under former Attorney General Pam Bondi weakened guidelines protecting journalists from such probes.
These actions raise concerns about the weaponization of federal law enforcement against critics of the Trump administration, threatening press freedom.