During that broadcast, Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director and current national security analyst for MSNBC, alleged that Patel had been seen at nightclubs more frequently than at the FBI’s Washington, D.C., headquarters. He also claimed that Patel’s daily briefings had been reduced to twice a week, suggesting internal chaos at the agency.
On the show, co-host Jonathan Lemire addressed the segment, stating, “This was a misstatement. We have not verified that claim.”
Figliuzzi has not publicly commented on the retraction. The incident has drawn attention to the importance of verifying information before broadcasting, especially concerning public figures and institutions.
Who is Kash Patel?
Patel is an American lawyer and government official currently serving as the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since February 2025, under President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Born on February 25, 1980, in Garden City, New York, Patel is the son of Indian immigrants from Gujarat. He earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and history from the University of Richmond in 2002, followed by a Juris Doctor from Pace University School of Law in 2005.
Patel began his legal career as a public defender in Florida, handling cases ranging from murder to complex financial crimes. He later served as a federal prosecutor, focusing on national security cases.
In 2017, Patel joined the House Intelligence Committee as a senior counsel under Chairman Devin Nunes. He played a significant role in the committee’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. elections and was the principal author of the controversial “Nunes memo,” which alleged surveillance abuses by the FBI.
During President Trump’s first term, Patel held several key positions, including senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council and chief of staff to Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller.
In November 2024, President Trump nominated Patel to lead the FBI, and the Senate confirmed his appointment in February 2025. His tenure has been marked by efforts to overhaul the agency, including initiatives to address perceived biases and to investigate alleged anti-Catholic sentiments within the bureau.
Outside of his government roles, Patel has been an outspoken critic of what he describes as the “deep state” and has promoted various conspiracy theories, including those related to the 2020 presidential election. He founded The Kash Foundation, a nonprofit organization supporting whistleblowers and funding defamation lawsuits.
Patel is also an author, having written “Government Gangsters: The Deep State, the Truth, and the Battle for Our Democracy,” which critiques perceived corruption within the government. Additionally, he has authored a series of children’s books, including “The Plot Against the King,” which presents a pro-Trump narrative of political events.
Patel was raised in the Hindu faith and has been involved in various media ventures aligned with conservative causes.
