A federal judge has ruled in favor of The Atlantic, freezing most discovery in FBI Director Kash Patel's defamation lawsuit against the publication. The ruling is intended to protect The Atlantic's reporting materials and confidential sources while the court reviews a motion to dismiss the case. Patel's lawsuit stems from an April article that alleged he drinks excessively and is often unavailable for his staff. The judge did not make a ruling on the truth of the allegations or whether Patel was defamed.
Key facts
- U.S. District Judge Emmet Sullivan ruled in favor of The Atlantic on November 10, 2026.
- The Atlantic reported allegations about Kash Patel's drinking and job security in April.
- Patel's lawsuit seeks $250 million in damages.
- The judge paused most discovery until the motion to dismiss is ruled on.
- Sullivan noted The Atlantic's legitimate First Amendment concerns.
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