Patel promised to come after the media. So far, it's only been women

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Patel promised to come after the media. So far, it’s only been women
The FBI has investigated multiple women journalists who reported on the bureau's director

By Sophia Tesfaye
Senior Writer
Published May 16, 2026 6:45AM (EDT)


(Salon) Before Kash Patel was confirmed as FBI Director, he went on Steve Bannon’s podcast and made a promise that should have ended his nomination on the spot. “We will go out and find the conspirators,” he vowed, “not just in government, but in the media. Yes, we’re going to come after the people in the media who lied about American citizens.” Now, after months of escalating controversies surrounding his leadership, Patel suddenly wants Americans to believe none of this is happening.

This week, pressed by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., during an appearance before a Senate Appropriations subcommittee, Patel denied any such targeting campaign. “I can tell you unequivocally, this FBI is targeting and investigating no journalists,” he said. “This FBI is targeting no journalists.”

Despite Patel’s theatrical denials under oath, the machinery of the state has already been deployed against the press.

Three journalists have been targeted by Patel’s FBI. Hannah Natanson of the Washington Post had her home raided before dawn, and her phone, laptops and smartwatch seized by federal agents who arrived without warning, all for the “crime” of covering federal workforce cuts. Elizabeth Williamson of the New York Times was investigated for potential federal stalking charges after reporting that Patel allegedly used FBI agents to chauffeur his girlfriend, the MAGA-forward country singer Alexis Wilkins. The Atlantic’s Sarah Fitzpatrick reportedly became the subject of a criminal leak probe after she reported on Patel’s alleged drinking and erratic management of the bureau. ..................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2026/05/16/patel-promised-to-come-after-the-media-so-far-its-only-been-women/