The FBI has pushed back against claims that Director Kash Patel attempted to establish a direct line to President Donald Trump, bypassing Attorney General Pam Bondi. Reports suggested Patel sought a secure communication link from his office and home to the White House, raising concerns about breaking with traditional Justice Department protocols.
According to sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Patel allegedly made the request soon after assuming the role of FBI director. The standard protocol requires the FBI director to report to the attorney general, not directly to the president. Any attempt to bypass that structure would be highly unusual.
FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson strongly denied the allegations, calling them “BS” in a statement on X. Others close to Patel also dismissed the report as an attempt to mischaracterize his leadership and create unnecessary controversy.
In addition to the communication request, Patel was also reported to have inquired about hiring a personal security team outside of the FBI’s protection detail. Though his office has not publicly addressed this, sources suggest it stems from concerns over internal loyalty within the agency.
Patel, who was one of Trump’s closest allies before leading the FBI, has long been critical of what he has called corruption within federal law enforcement. His appointment signaled a major shift in how the bureau operates, with a focus on eliminating political bias in its investigations.
Meanwhile, Patel and Bondi are continuing to work together on Justice Department priorities, including efforts to crack down on organized crime and improve transparency within federal agencies.
