FBI Director Kash Patel Distributing Branded Bourbon to Staff, Report Says
FBI Director Kash Patel has been distributing engraved bottles of bourbon from Kentucky's Woodford Reserve to FBI staff and civilians, with labels featuring his name, personal logo, and the FBI shield, according to a report by The Atlantic. The alcohol was transported using a Department of Justice aircraft, including during Patel's trip to Milan in February, where he was filmed drinking with the U.S. men's Olympic hockey team.
An FBI spokesperson said the gifts are part of a long-standing tradition within the bureau and that Patel adheres to ethical guidelines, personally paying for all gifts. However, multiple current and former FBI officials told The Atlantic that such personalized alcohol gifting by a director is unprecedented. The bureau maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy on alcohol misuse during duty, making the practice a source of discomfort and concern among personnel.
The issue intensified after at least one bottle went missing during an FBI training event in Quantico, Virginia, in March, which Patel organized and where UFC fighters provided martial arts instruction. Retired FBI agent Kurt Siuzdak said Patel responded by threatening staff with polygraph tests and potential prosecution, prompting internal alarm. Siuzdak and other legal advisors reported receiving complaints from agents fearful of professional retaliation.
Former FBI officials, including supervisory intelligence analyst George Hill, criticized the conduct, saying it undermines institutional integrity and sets a dangerous precedent. As concerns grow within the bureau, The Atlantic's report coincides with a defamation lawsuit filed by Patel against the publication and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick. The Justice Department has not announced any review of the travel or gifting practices in question.
The FBI is expected to continue its internal operations as usual, while legal proceedings related to the defamation suit move forward. Ethics experts and former agents say the situation highlights ongoing tensions between leadership conduct and institutional norms.