Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche defended FBI Director Kash Patel on Sunday, dismissing a report from The Atlantic that alleged excessive drinking and criticized Patel's response to a shooting at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner last weekend. During an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," Blanche told moderator Kristen Welker that the article relied on unnamed sources and should be "completely discounted."
Blanche's Defense of Patel's Actions
Blanche detailed his firsthand observation of Patel's conduct during the shooting incident. "I was with Director Patel last night. I was with him at the crime scene. I was with him in the Oval Office. I was with him afterwards. I was on the phone with him late into the evening," Blanche said. He emphasized that Patel was at the command center, leading the investigation alongside U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
Confidence in Patel
While Blanche declined to speak for President Donald Trump, he expressed his own confidence in Patel. "But I certainly have confidence in Director Patel, and also the men and women working with him, that worked through the night, will work through the day and through the night tonight, to investigate this crime," Blanche added. He stated that he was proud of the FBI's efforts and that all Americans should share that pride.
Patel's Response to The Atlantic Report
Patel has publicly denied the allegations in The Atlantic report and subsequently filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against the publication. The report had questioned Patel's fitness for office amid claims of excessive drinking and questioned his handling of the attack at the correspondents' dinner.
Blanche's full interview on "Meet the Press" can be viewed below.
