FBI Director Kash Patel is pushing back against allegations that he attempted to establish a direct line to President Donald Trump without involving Attorney General Pam Bondi. The claims, first reported by the Wall Street Journal, have sparked debate over whether Patel is seeking to reshape how the FBI communicates with the White House.
The report suggested that Patel requested a secure link from both his office and personal residence to the Oval Office. Traditionally, the attorney general serves as the direct line of communication between the FBI and the president, a practice that has been followed since J. Edgar Hoover’s time.
Ben Williamson, a top FBI spokesperson, called the report “BS,” dismissing it as false. Patel’s allies have also accused media outlets of spreading misinformation in an attempt to distract from the work being done to reform the FBI.
The controversy has also led to questions about Patel’s request for an independent security detail, separate from the standard FBI protection assigned to him. Some within the agency see this as a sign of distrust toward existing personnel, though Patel’s office has not commented on the matter.
Before taking over the FBI, Patel was a fierce defender of Trump, frequently challenging allegations against the former president. His leadership has already drawn criticism from establishment figures within the intelligence community, who worry that his ties to Trump could influence agency operations.
Despite the allegations, Patel and Bondi continue to oversee key Justice Department initiatives, with their offices stating they remain aligned on law enforcement priorities.
