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FBI Investigated NYT Reporter After Story on Kash Patel’s Girlfriend

journalismApr 22, 20269208

The FBI opened an investigation into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson after she published a story saying FBI Director Kash Patel used federal resources to provide security for his girlfriend. The inquiry examined Williamson's newsgathering related to that story and did not produce criminal charges against her. The episode prompted debate over whether routine newsgathering about national-security officials could be treated as criminal conduct.

Key Highlights

Elizabeth Williamson reported that Kash Patel used federal resources to protect his girlfriend.
The FBI opened an inquiry into Williamson's reporting but did not charge her.
The investigation prompted debate about criminalizing routine newsgathering on security officials.
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