Search Captions & Ask AI

Kara Swisher Says Kash Patel is a "National Security Risk"

April 21, 2026 / 01:18

This episode discusses FBI Director Cash Patel's $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic, which he claims is a hit piece. The article is based on interviews with over two dozen officials and alleges Patel's excessive drinking, frequent absences, and erratic behavior.

Key discussions include the allegations of Patel's intoxication impacting his job performance, with reports of his security detail struggling to wake him. The conversation highlights concerns over his competence and judgment, suggesting that his behavior poses a national security risk.

Additionally, the hosts comment on Patel's work habits and the implications of his alleged drinking, with one host humorously referring to him and another individual as the "liquor cabinet."

TL;DR

Cash Patel sues The Atlantic for defamation over claims of drinking and incompetence while at the FBI.

Episode

1:18
00:00:00
FBI Director Cash Patel just filed a
00:00:02
$250 million defamation suit against The
00:00:04
Atlantic over an article he called quote
00:00:07
hit piece. It was not a hit piece. The
00:00:09
story is based on interviews with more
00:00:10
than two dozen current and former
00:00:12
officials about Patel's time at the FBI.
00:00:14
It alleges excessive drinking, frequent
00:00:16
absences, and erratic freakouts. There
00:00:18
were reportedly multiple times over the
00:00:20
past year where Patel's security detail
00:00:22
had trouble waking him because he
00:00:24
appeared to be intoxicated. One incident
00:00:26
involved a request for breaching
00:00:28
equipment, the kind a SWAT team used
00:00:30
after Patel was unreachable behind
00:00:32
locked doors.
00:00:33
>> It's not about alcoholism in my view.
00:00:36
It's incompetence. I don't doubt that
00:00:37
the alcohol hurts him, but generally
00:00:39
speaking, this is an incompetent person
00:00:41
who has lacks judgment, doesn't show up
00:00:43
for work on time, panics, he's so
00:00:46
skittish, he thinks that he's being
00:00:47
fired. I don't mind you drinking during
00:00:49
the week night if you work for me, but
00:00:50
be at work the next morning. It doesn't
00:00:52
matter why you aren't showing up for
00:00:53
work. This guy doesn't appear to be
00:00:55
showing up.
00:00:55
>> It creates a national security risk,
00:00:57
which is I think why all these people
00:00:58
are leaking, right? They dislike him,
00:01:01
but he also is a huge national security
00:01:03
risk. He's also abusing his privileges.
00:01:05
Very Christine Gnome here, right?
00:01:07
>> Well, I like the idea him and Axath are
00:01:10
now referred to as the liquor cabinet. I
00:01:12
think that's a good one.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

  • 80
    Most controversial
  • 70
    Most shocking
  • 70
    Most talked-about
  • 60
    Most intense

Episode Highlights

  • FBI Director Files Defamation Suit
    Cash Patel has filed a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic over a critical article.
    “It was not a hit piece.”
    @ 00m 02s
    April 21, 2026
  • Allegations Against Patel
    The article alleges excessive drinking and erratic behavior during Patel's time at the FBI.
    “There were reportedly multiple times over the past year where Patel's security detail had trouble waking him.”
    @ 00m 14s
    April 21, 2026
  • Concerns Over National Security
    Critics argue that Patel's behavior poses a national security risk.
    “He’s also a huge national security risk.”
    @ 01m 03s
    April 21, 2026

Episode Quotes

Key Moments

  • Defamation Suit00:02
  • Excessive Drinking00:14
  • National Security Risk01:03

Related Episodes

Kara Swisher Calls Out Elon Musk and Big Tech’s “Petty, Angry" People | Pivot
Kara Swisher Calls Out Elon Musk and Big Tech’s “Petty, Angry" People | Pivot
How Kara Swisher "Cracked the Case"… and Got Dragged Into the Nuzzi-Lizza-RFK Jr drama | Pivot
How Kara Swisher "Cracked the Case"… and Got Dragged Into the Nuzzi-Lizza-RFK Jr drama | Pivot