MSNBC Issues Retraction After Questionable Claim About FBI Director Kash Patel
MSNBC’s Morning Joe was forced to issue a correction Tuesday after airing a sensational and unverified claim about FBI Director Kash Patel during last week’s broadcast.
On Friday, Frank Figliuzzi—a former FBI assistant director and frequent MSNBC contributor—suggested that Patel was spending more time at parties than at his office in Washington, D.C.
“Reportedly, he’s been visible at nightclubs far more than he has been on the seventh floor of the Hoover building,” Figliuzzi claimed during a conversation with co-host Jonathan Lemire. “And there are reports that daily briefings to him have been changed from every day to maybe twice-weekly.”
Figliuzzi, who often provides national security analysis on MSNBC and is a known critic of President Trump, added that his sources inside the FBI described the agency as being in disarray.
“People don’t know what’s happening from day-to-day,” he said.
The allegations sparked a media buzz over the weekend. But by Monday, Lemire walked back the comments on-air.
“Frank Figliuzzi was on that hour, discussing the work of administration officials,” Lemire said, referring to the prior episode of Morning Joe. “At the end of that segment, Figliuzzi said that FBI Director Kash Patel has been more visible at nightclubs than the FBI headquarters. This was a misstatement. We have not verified that claim.”
The retraction comes amid heightened scrutiny around internal security at the FBI. The agency is reportedly organizing a multi-agency protective detail for Deputy Director Dan Bongino—making him the first in his position to receive 24/7 security, even within FBI headquarters. Reports suggest up to 20 agents may be assigned to the effort.
According to internal communication, the FBI recently circulated a notice to field agents asking for volunteers to temporarily join the protective team, with duties rotating among groups.
Bongino addressed the developments in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter), offering reassurance and transparency without disclosing sensitive details.
“Headed back to DC today after spending a day back home with my wife and daughter,” Bongino posted. “As I dive back into work, I want to reassure you that nothing that is happening here is happening by accident. Because of the sensitivity of what the FBI deals with, both the Director and I have to be circumspect in what we can make public. Bad guys read this stuff too. Neither one of us came here to play games.”
“Measure us by results. You will see them. But just because you don’t see something happening right this second, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening,” he continued. “Not every result is going to please everyone. That’s just pandering, it’s not leadership. Complex problems require diligence and a reform-oriented process to create lasting changes. Or else you’re simply putting a bandage on a gushing wound. Let’s do it right. God bless America, and all those who defend Her.”
In a follow-up post, Bongino emphasized the importance of public input while urging supporters to trust the process.
“I’d like to add this: Your comments and criticisms are not only welcome, but they’re helpful. We work for you, the American people. Your feedback is invaluable,” he wrote.
“All I ask is that you consider the following feedback to the feedback. When you see something happen, and the entire story isn’t public, and the underlying facts aren’t all public, it may appear counterintuitive to our reform agenda.”
He concluded: “I promise you, it’s not an accident. Ask yourself, why I would sign on to something like this otherwise. Is it a desire to be wealthy, famous, ‘connected,’ or to be a future lobbyist? If that sounds ridiculous, it’s because it is.”