Report claims Kash Patel handed out personalised bourbon bottles to FBI staff
Kash Patel is facing fresh scrutiny after a report claimed the FBI Director distributed personalised bottles of bourbon to bureau staff and civilians, raising concerns among current and former officials over professionalism and internal standards within the agency.
According to a report published by The Atlantic, Patel handed out bottles of bourbon from Woodford Reserve engraved with the words “Kash Patel FBI Director” along with his personal logo and the FBI shield.
The report also alleged that the whisky was transported aboard a Department of Justice aircraft during official travel, including a February trip to Milan connected to the Olympics. During that visit, Patel was reportedly seen celebrating with members of the gold medal-winning US men’s hockey team.
The publication said the practice had sparked unease among some FBI personnel, particularly given the bureau’s traditionally strict stance on alcohol use while on duty.
Responding to the controversy, an FBI spokesperson defended the gifting practice, describing it as a longstanding tradition within the bureau and wider government institutions.
“The bottles in question are part of a tradition in the FBI that started well over a decade ago, long before Director Patel arrived,” the spokesperson said, adding that senior officials have historically exchanged commemorative items in formal settings consistent with ethics rules.
However, several current and former FBI employees quoted in the report reportedly disputed that claim, saying the distribution of personalised liquor bottles by an FBI Director was highly unusual.
One source described the situation as “weird and uncomfortable,” while a former FBI agent reportedly called it “demoralising,” arguing that it created the impression of different standards applying to senior leadership.
The controversy reportedly intensified after a bottle of bourbon went missing during a training seminar at the FBI academy in Quantico, Virginia, earlier this year. The event, organised by Patel, allegedly included appearances by UFC fighters who conducted mixed martial arts sessions for recruits and senior officials.
Retired FBI agent Kurt Siuzdak claimed Patel reacted angrily after the missing bottle was discovered, with concerns reportedly raised among staff about threats of polygraph tests and possible disciplinary action.
According to Siuzdak, many agents fear professional consequences if they raise concerns about bureau leadership. He also warned that controversies involving conduct and ethics could ultimately affect the credibility of FBI personnel in court proceedings.
Former FBI supervisory intelligence analyst George Hill also criticised the reported practice, saying standards within the bureau should apply equally to everyone, including senior leadership.
The allegations come amid heightened scrutiny surrounding Patel’s leadership style and management of the FBI, although the bureau maintains that all applicable ethical guidelines were followed.
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