FBI Director Kash Patel is pushing back against reports that he attempted to bypass Attorney General Pam Bondi by requesting a direct and secure line to President Donald Trump. The Wall Street Journal first reported the alleged request, which would have broken decades of precedent in Justice Department operations.
Typically, the FBI director reports to the attorney general rather than communicating directly with the White House on law enforcement matters. The report claimed Patel sought to change that structure, raising concerns among critics about the FBI’s independence.
Ben Williamson, the FBI’s Assistant Director for Public Affairs, dismissed the report outright, calling it “BS” in a statement on X. Patel’s allies echoed the sentiment, saying the claims were an attempt to create unnecessary controversy and misrepresent his leadership.
The report also stated that Patel considered hiring a private security team separate from the FBI detail assigned to protect him. While the reasons remain unclear, sources suggested it reflects concerns about trust within the agency.
Patel, who was a staunch Trump supporter before assuming the FBI’s top role, has drawn scrutiny for his approach to leadership. His appointment marked a major shift in the bureau’s direction, with a focus on eliminating political interference in investigations.
Despite the controversy, Patel and Bondi remain aligned on key Justice Department initiatives, including efforts to combat crime and ensure accountability within federal agencies.
