FBI Director Kash Patel threatened legal action against The Atlantic for publishing stories alleging he drank to the point of intoxication at private clubs in Washington, D.C., and Las Vegas.Newly released court documents reveal Patel's team demanded the outlet retract the article, claiming it was false and defamatory.Despite the threats, The Atlantic published the story, prompting Patel to file a $250 million defamation lawsuit.

The article claimed his drinking habits negatively impacted law-enforcement investigations, including the murder of Charlie Kirk, and raised concerns across government agencies.

Court documents show the Trump administration scrambled to contain the fallout, with officials dismissing the claims as 'absurd' and criticizing anonymous sources.The Atlantic argued the allegations were substantially true, citing congressional testimony and public lawsuits against Patel.This is Patel's fifth defamation case against media outlets, all of which have been dismissed or dropped.His previous lawsuit against an MS NOW contributor was also dismissed shortly after this one was filed.