RETURN TO CHANNEL

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, focusing on allegations of excessive drinking and erratic behavior. The conversation highlights claims from over two dozen officials regarding Patel's conduct at the FBI, including incidents where his security detail struggled to wake him due to intoxication.

Key discussions include the assertion that Patel's issues stem from incompetence rather than alcoholism. The hosts express concern over his judgment and work attendance, emphasizing that his behavior poses a national security risk.

The episode also touches on the public perception of Patel, with references to his drinking habits and how they affect his role. The hosts humorously refer to Patel and a colleague as the "liquor cabinet," illustrating the light-hearted tone amidst serious allegations.

TLDR

FBI Director Cash Patel sues The Atlantic over claims of drinking and incompetence affecting national security.

Episode

1:18

00:00:00

FBI Director Cash Patel just filed a $250 million defamation suit against The Atlantic over an article he called quote

00:00:07

hit piece. It was not a hit piece. The story is based on interviews with more than two dozen current and former

00:00:12

officials about Patel's time at the FBI. It alleges excessive drinking, frequent

00:00:16

absences, and erratic freakouts. There were reportedly multiple times over the past year where Patel's security detail

00:00:22

had trouble waking him because he appeared to be intoxicated. One incident involved a request for breaching

00:00:28

equipment, the kind a SWAT team used after Patel was unreachable behind locked doors.

00:00:33

>> It's not about alcoholism in my view. It's incompetence. I don't doubt that

00:00:37

the alcohol hurts him, but generally speaking, this is an incompetent person who has lacks judgment, doesn't show up

00:00:43

for work on time, panics, he's so skittish, he thinks that he's being fired. I don't mind you drinking during

00:00:49

the week night if you work for me, but be at work the next morning. It doesn't

00:00:52

matter why you aren't showing up for work. This guy doesn't appear to be

00:00:55

showing up. >> It creates a national security risk, which is I think why all these people

00:00:58

are leaking, right? They dislike him, but he also is a huge national security risk. He's also abusing his privileges.

00:01:05

Very Christine Gnome here, right? >> Well, I like the idea him and Axath are

00:01:10

now referred to as the liquor cabinet. I think that's a good one.

Badges

This episode stands out for the following:

80
Most shocking
80
Most talked-about
80
Most controversial
70
Most dramatic

Episode Highlights

FBI Director Files Defamation Suit
Cash Patel sues The Atlantic for $250 million over a critical article.
“It was not a hit piece.”
@ 00m 02s
April 21, 2026
Allegations Against Patel
The article claims excessive drinking and erratic behavior during his FBI tenure.
“There were reportedly multiple times over the past year where Patel's security detail had trouble waking him.”
@ 00m 18s
April 21, 2026

Episode Quotes

It's not about alcoholism in my view. It's incompetence.
Kara Swisher Says Kash Patel is a "National Security Risk"
This guy doesn’t appear to be showing up.
Kara Swisher Says Kash Patel is a "National Security Risk"

Key Moments

Allegations of Incompetence00:33
National Security Risk00:55