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FBI Director Kash Patel hit the gym with NBC News reporter Ryan Reilly on Tuesday about his $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic over what he says is a fake story.
During a news conference with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about the lawsuit against the Southern Poverty Law Center, Patel was asked to comment on The Atlantic’s story, including safety concerns over alleged binge drinking and absenteeism.
Patel denied ever being drunk on the job and was about to leave the courtroom when Reilly asked Patel to clarify a claim he believed he was fired by President Donald Trump after temporarily being unable to access internal FBI systems.
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An article from the Atlantic states that FBI Director Kash Patel caused safety concerns due to excessive drinking and absenteeism. (Jose Luis Magana/AP Photo)
“Let’s do some research. How many of you people believe that to be true?” Patel replied.
Reilly went on to ask a question that led to Patel launching into a rant against the article’s “baseless” reporting.
“The problem with you and your baseless reporting is that it’s a blatant lie. It’s never been said. It’s never happened, and I’ll serve in this position as long as the president and the attorney general want me to. And every time you guys report falsehoods, every time you guys ask baseless questions when we’re here to talk about the Southern Poverty Law Center’s $3 million dollar fraud scheme. off topic,” Patel commented.
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Kash Patel filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic over its report. (Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images)
Reilly insisted it was a “direct” question, leading the two to start talking to each other.
“The simple answer to your question is that you are lying,” Patel insisted.
Patel went on to say that he was “never locked out” of the FBI’s programs, though Reilly noted that his defamation suit suggested otherwise. Blanche finally stepped in to cut Reilly off.
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“Come on, you’re unusually rude, and I know maybe that’s part of your job, but please just stop. If you ask a question, he can answer it. And now you’re interrupting me. Just a little respect, man, a little bit. Try it,” Blanche said before answering another question.
Kash Patel repeatedly denied the report in a press conference on Tuesday. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
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Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House and NBC News for comment.
