ByELINA SHIRAZI, US SENIOR POLITICAL REPORTER
Published:13:07 EDT, 8 May 2026|Updated:13:46 EDT, 8 May 2026
FBI Director Kash Patel is being described by staff as being in 'full panic mode,' requesting polygraph tests for more than 20 past and present members of his security detail and several information technology staff.
The bombshell report comes as Patel's future in Trump's inner orbit remains uncertain after a series of scathing reports into his alleged drinking habits.
He currentlyfaces rumors of an impending dismissal by the Republican President after ex-Attorney General Pam Bondi's sudden firing last month.
As a result of a series of negative press articles about his conduct, Patel hopes to find and eliminate any leakers on his team, two people briefed on the plans allege.
The FBI lead is also reportedly avoiding meetings this week, including several leaders in the bureau, sources tell MS Now.
The FBI director reportedly ordered polygraph examinations for his travel team and staff with access to sensitive information to determine if they have communicated with reporters, according to sources who requested anonymity to avoid professional retribution.
The demand for lie-detector tests follows a report by MS Now that Director Patel ordered a criminal leak investigation into a story published by The Atlantic last month.
That article described Patel as drinking to excess and being 'difficult to rouse' the following morning.
Source: Drudge Report
