FBI scrutinized New York Times reporter over stalking concerns following Kash Patel report

FBI investigators scrutinized a New York Times reporter who authored a critical report concerning the security detail assigned to the girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, according to a report published by the newspaper on Thursday.

The Times alleged that the FBI examined the activities of reporter Elizabeth Williamson to determine whether she had violated federal anti-stalking statutes.

Citing a source familiar with the matter, the newspaper reported that FBI agents interviewed Alexis Wilkins, Patel’s girlfriend, and conducted queries across various databases to gather information on Williamson. The report further alleged that the bureau recommended deepening the investigation into the journalist.

The FBI responded to the allegations in a statement to the New York Times. While investigators “expressed concern regarding how aggressive reporting techniques may have crossed the line into stalking,” the bureau stated that there is no active case currently being pursued against Williamson.

FBI Director Kash Patel also dismissed the accusations during an interview with Sean Hannity on Fox News. “The reality is that this reporter published a baseless story that posed a direct threat to my girlfriend’s life,” Patel said.

Emphasizing that the bureau would protect not only himself and his loved ones but every American under threat, Patel argued that the New York Times was attempting to erase its past reporting. He further claimed the organization refused to acknowledge his comments and sought to deflect attention from court documents and the threats directed at him and those close to him.

However, New York Times Executive Editor Joe Kahn stood by Williamson, describing the investigation as an attempt by the Trump administration to suppress freedom of speech.

“The FBI’s attempt to criminalize routine news-gathering activities is a blatant violation of Elizabeth’s First Amendment rights and represents another effort by this administration to prevent journalists from scrutinizing its actions,” Kahn said in a statement.

Kahn characterized the situation as “alarming, unconstitutional, and wrong.”

The friction between Patel and media organizations follows a $250 million defamation lawsuit filed by the FBI Director against The Atlantic.

That magazine had published a report questioning Patel’s professional performance and including allegations of excessive alcohol consumption, claims which Patel has categorically denied.

In recent months, Patel has also faced criticism from Democrats for allegedly using public resources for personal travel. These criticisms include Patel’s attendance at the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game in Italy and his subsequent participation in celebrations within the American team’s locker room.

The FBI has stated that Patel will reimburse the bureau from his own pocket for all personal expenses incurred during the trip to Italy.

The controversy surrounding the security arrangements questioned by Williamson—which have been linked to evacuation orders dating back to 2005—is expected to further escalate judicial and editorial tensions between the institutions.