FBI Director Kash Patel absent amid reports of excessive drinking

The Atlantic reports that FBI Director Kash Patel has alarmed colleagues with episodes of heavy drinking and unexplained absences, including instances when he drank to visible intoxication around White House staff. Colleagues told The Atlantic that Patel's nights of heavy drinking caused morning meetings to be pushed back, and nine current and former officials spoke to the magazine about specific incidents. The reporting details internal concern about Patel's availability and conduct while he leads the FBI, raising questions about the bureau's leadership stability.