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NYT: FBI Investigated Reporter Who Covered Patel's Girlfriend
Agents interviewed Alexis Wilkins and queried reporter records before recommending a review of whether federal stalking laws were violated, officials said.
- In March, the FBI opened an inquiry into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson following her February 28 article detailing FBI Director Kash Patel's use of bureau personnel to provide security for girlfriend Alexis Wilkins.
- Patel faced scrutiny for assigning a full-time SWAT security detail to Wilkins for personal engagements including singing appearances, intensifying questions about his use of taxpayer-funded federal resources.
- FBI agents queried databases for information on Williamson and recommended a preliminary investigation into possible stalking offenses after Wilkins told agents the reporting left her feeling harassed.
- Justice Department officials determined there was no legal basis to proceed, viewing the inquiry as retaliation for an article Patel did not like, and the FBI confirmed it is not pursuing a case.
- New York Times executive editor Joseph Kahn criticized the bureau's attempt to criminalize routine newsgathering, calling it a violation of the First Amendment and part of Patel's documented hostility toward the press.
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FBI Probed New York Times Reporter Over Stories On Patel Paramour's Abuses
FBI agents investigated a New York Times reporter who uncovered that FBI Director Kash Patel’s girlfriend was being ferried around on taxpayer-funded flights.The New York Times reported Thursday that agents probed reporter Elizabeth Williamson in March, following the article about Patel that she wrote in February. The FBI tacitly admitted to the probe, asserting that “investigators were concerned about how the aggressive reporting techniques cro…
FBI Director Kash Patel, New York Times clash over paper's claim its reporter was 'investigated'
FBI Director Kash Patel is pushing back against allegations made by The New York Times that the agency "investigated" its reporter following a story involving Patel's girlfriend Ashley Wilkins.
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources82
Leaning Left26Leaning Right10Center26Last UpdatedBias Distribution42% Left, 42% Center
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Left, 42% of the sources are Center
42% Center
L 42%
C 42%
R 16%
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