FBI Director Kash Patel has filed a $250 million lawsuit against The Atlantic over a story reporting allegations about his conduct.

The Atlantic cover story included allegations of  Patel's “excessive drinking” as well as “conspicuous inebriation and unexplained absences” while in charge of the law enforcement agency.

The publication stands by its reporting, which cited multiple current and former officials. Now, this lawsuit is raising concerns about press freedom and the ability of journalists to report on those in power without fear of retaliation.

Public officials must be open to scrutiny. Lawsuits that target journalists over reporting risk creating a chilling effect — where important stories go unreported.

This is bigger than one article.

We call on:

Kash Patel
U.S. Department of Justice leadership
to respect press freedom, drop retaliatory legal threats, and uphold the role of a free press in a democracy.

Sign this petition to say: hands off the press—protect journalism.