MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” was forced into damage control Monday after airing an unsubstantiated—and now retracted—claim that FBI Director Kash Patel had been frequenting nightclubs more than his office. The allegation came from network contributor and former FBI official Frank Figliuzzi, who cited anonymous sources to paint a picture of disarray inside the bureau.
During Friday’s broadcast, Figliuzzi claimed Patel had become a ghost at FBI headquarters while suggesting his intelligence briefings had been scaled back to just twice a week.
“Reportedly, he’s been visible at nightclubs far more than he has been on the seventh floor of the Hoover building,” Figliuzzi said. “There are reports that daily briefings to him have been changed from every day to maybe twice-weekly.”
The remarks were quickly amplified by various media outlets and began shaping a viral narrative of dysfunction at the top of the FBI. But as scrutiny grew and no evidence emerged to support Figliuzzi’s claim, Morning Joe host Jonathan Lemire walked it back—albeit with minimal contrition.
“This was a misstatement. We have not verified that claim,” Lemire said flatly on air, referencing Figliuzzi’s Friday comments before moving briskly on.
The segment marks yet another misstep for Figliuzzi, who has a history of offering speculative or outlandish commentary under the veneer of intelligence expertise. While Figliuzzi once served as assistant director of the FBI’s counterintelligence division, his post-government role has seen him evolve into a fixture of MSNBC’s commentary circuit, often pushing highly politicized narratives.
Critics argue that MSNBC’s failure to vet such claims before airing them—especially about a sitting FBI director—is more than a lapse; it’s a failure of basic editorial responsibility.
Even the FBI itself chose not to dignify the nightclub rumor with a formal comment, though spokesman Ben Williamson posted a biting response on X (formerly Twitter):
“RIP Kash Patel nightclub theories, May 2, 2025 — May 5, 2025. Cool. (Everything else the guy said was BS too, but we’ll start with this, fine).”
Patel, a prominent figure in the Trump administration and longtime ally of the former president, was appointed FBI Director during Trump’s second term. Until recently, he was also acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—a dual role that raised eyebrows but was reportedly relinquished in April so he could focus solely on the FBI.
A source close to Patel told Fox News Digital that the media portrayal of him being disengaged or unfit is “categorically false” and politically motivated.
The timing of this flare-up is notable. The FBI under Patel has been increasingly scrutinized by legacy media and political opponents, particularly as it pursues criminal investigations involving public officials and allegations of foreign influence. For supporters of Patel, this retracted story fits a familiar pattern: use unverified leaks to discredit political foes, walk it back later—quietly.
