FBI Director Kash Patel has taken legal action against former FBI official and MSNBC commentator Frank Figliuzzi, following public remarks that suggested Patel spends more time in nightclubs than at his post in FBI headquarters.
According to Just the News, Patel filed the defamation lawsuit in a federal court in Texas on June 2. His legal team claims that Figliuzzi intentionally spread false information, saying, “Figliuzzi crossed a legal boundary by making up a blatant lie about Director Patel.”
The controversy began during a segment on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” on May 2, when Figliuzzi commented, “Reportedly, he’s been spotted at nightclubs far more often than on the seventh floor of the Hoover building. There are also claims that his briefings have dropped from daily to maybe twice a week.”
He added, “The word I keep hearing from inside the bureau is ‘chaos.’ There’s confusion about what’s going on from one day to the next.”
In the lawsuit, Patel’s attorneys argue that “Defendant was fully aware his statement was false when he said it,” as also noted by The Hill.
Patel asserts that since becoming FBI Director, he has “not spent even a minute inside a nightclub.” The lawsuit accuses Figliuzzi of creating a false narrative motivated by personal hostility.
On a subsequent episode of “Morning Joe,” reporter Jonathan Lemire addressed the controversy, saying, “Figliuzzi stated that FBI Director Kash Patel is reportedly seen more at nightclubs than his office. That claim has not been verified and is inaccurate.”
Meanwhile, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who was appointed to the role by President Trump, defended Patel and addressed the situation in a post on the social platform X.
“While I can’t address every false claim in one message, I will directly respond to those questioning Director Patel’s commitment. His office is next to mine. I attend most of the same briefings. He works long hours—10 to 12 hours a day—meeting with foreign law enforcement leaders and counter-terrorism teams,” Bongino said.
He continued, “Any claims suggesting otherwise are simply false and serve to block the progress we’re making. There are people spreading misinformation with hidden agendas, and it’s not in the public’s interest.”
Bongino also used the opportunity to share updates on the FBI’s recent actions under the new leadership. He highlighted progress in combating illegal immigration and crime.
“Our teams are actively removing dangerous illegal individuals from the country,” he noted. “Those who entered unlawfully to take advantage of Americans will face consequences. These enforcement efforts will reshape the crime landscape, especially with the administration’s firm stance on border security.”
He also emphasized the FBI’s focus on protecting children, citing a nationwide initiative, Operation ‘Restoring Justice,’ which led to the arrests of 764 individuals involved in crimes against minors.
“If you target children, we will take your freedom. We’ve just begun,” Bongino stated firmly.
