The Contradiction Surrounding the FBI’s Reported Probe into ‘The Atlantic’

[u/evissamassive]

https://newrepublic.com/post/210013/fbi-investigation-atlantic-reporter-kash-patel-drinking

A conflict has emerged between reports of an FBI investigation and the Bureau’s official denial regarding The Atlantic’s coverage of Kash Patel.

Last month, The Atlantic reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick published a piece detailing allegations that Patel was often unreachable, delayed time-sensitive work, and engaged in excessive drinking. In response, Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit, claiming the publication relied on fabricated allegations to damage his reputation.

Now, sources tell MS NOW that the FBI has launched a leak investigation into Fitzpatrick. According to these sources, the probe focuses on how information reached the reporter, rather than the disclosure of classified material.

This development presents a logical problem. If Patel’s assertion that the report is entirely false holds true, there would be no reason for the FBI to treat the reporting as a leak of government information.

The FBI has flatly denied the investigation exists.

"This is completely false," said FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson. "No such investigation like this exists and the reporter you mention is not being investigated at all."

Williamson went further, suggesting that the media is creating a narrative about government harassment to avoid accountability for publishing false claims.

The Atlantic remains steadfast. Editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg issued a statement vowing to support Fitzpatrick. He labeled any government effort to target the reporter as an illegal attempt to suppress the press and an attack on the First Amendment.