Kash Patel has ordered polygraph (Lie detector) tests for more than two dozen current and former members of his FBI security detail as he hunts for alleged leaks in the agency, according to sources cited by MS NOW.The scrutiny extended beyond Patel’s security team to include IT staff and other employees who had access to details about his schedule and internal decisions. The move follows a wave of negative coverage surrounding Patel’s handling of the bureau and questions over his conduct in office. This involved claims of excess drinking, missing important meetings, using agency resources on girlfriend and demanding expensive jets, cars on taxpayer money.Patel ordered the polygraphs this week to identify who in the agency may have spoken to journalists. Members of the team that travels with Patel, along with staff who handle operational information, were among those targeted, according to the sources cited by MS NOW.At the same time, Patel has reportedly distanced himself from some senior FBI leaders. Sources said the director had limited contact with key operational officials during the week. The situation prompted concern among some within the FBI, who worry the director may not be closely involved in key investigations and national security matters.FBI spokesman Ben Williamson denied claims that Patel had withdrawn from senior staff meetings. He also declined to comment directly on the use of polygraphs.“I’ve been in the usual operational leader meetings with him every day this week … it’s false,” Williamson said.“The only people in panic are the ‘panicans’ in the media pushing out false stories because they spend zero time covering the record-breaking success in reduction in crime at this FBI,” he added.The developments follow a report that Patel recently ordered FBI agents to open a criminal leak investigation into an article published by The Atlantic. The piece claimed Patel had been drinking heavily and was difficult to wake the following morning.Some agents were uncomfortable with the investigation because they did not believe there were strong grounds to scrutinise a journalist’s reporting activities. There were also concerns among agents that refusing to take part could put their jobs at risk.The FBI and the Justice Department only launch criminal leak investigations when classified information is believed to have been compromised. Such cases rarely involve attempts to examine reporters’ records unless there is a serious national security concern.Patel’s actions and the polygraph testing shows growing anxiety over his standing with US President Donald Trump. According to those MS NOW sources, Trump and senior White House aides have become increasingly frustrated by the negative headlines surrounding Patel. There were also speculations that Kash Patel is “likely” to be axed from the FBI director role.This is not the first time Patel has allegedly used polygraph examinations inside the bureau. An earlier incident said dozens of agents were tested after reports emerged that Patel had requested a firearm through official channels, with details of the request later being discussed among agents.Questions over Patel’s leadership have followed him for months. In late 2025, reports emerged that Trump and White House advisers had privately discussed whether he should remain FBI director.Patel also faced scrutiny over the use of FBI resources for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Reports claimed he ordered a team of SWAT agents in Nashville to provide protection and transport for her. His office defended the arrangement, saying she had received threats and required additional security.Further criticism followed claims that Patel used a government jet for personal travel, including trips linked to Wilkins’ performances. Earlier this year, he also drew attention after travelling to Milan during the Winter Olympics. Officials said the trip involved security meetings, but videos later showed Patel celebrating with the US men’s ice hockey team after their gold medal victory by drinking beer and spraying alcohol in the locker room.
