FBI Investigates NYT Reporter After Story on Kash Patel's Girlfriend
The FBI opened an investigation into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson in March 2025 after she published an article alleging that FBI Director Kash Patel used bureau resources to provide protection and transportation for his girlfriend. This story emerged alongside a range of other significant national and international news, including southern US wildfires forcing evacuations in Georgia and Florida, and former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte facing a crimes against humanity trial at the Hague. Additional developments include Microsoft's first-ever early retirement buyout program, a glacier blocking Everest climbing routes, and the death of celebrated conductor Michael Tilson Thomas at age 81.
Progressive outlets such as The Guardian frame the FBI investigation into the NYT reporter as a potential abuse of government power and a threat to press freedom, raising concerns about the use of federal law enforcement to intimidate journalists who report critically on administration officials.
The FBI opened an inquiry into a NYT reporter following publication of an article about security arrangements for FBI Director Kash Patel's girlfriend, a fact confirmed by the Times itself, while the legal and procedural basis for the investigation has not been publicly disclosed by the FBI.
Conservative outlets may frame the FBI inquiry as a legitimate investigation into a news report that allegedly revealed sensitive security information, and could view scrutiny of Patel's security arrangements as politically motivated reporting intended to undermine the FBI director.
The FBI opened an inquiry into a NYT reporter following publication of an article about security arrangements for FBI Director Kash Patel's girlfriend, a fact confirmed by the Times itself, while the legal and procedural basis for the investigation has not been publicly disclosed by the FBI.
The FBI began investigating NYT reporter Elizabeth Williamson in March 2025 after she reported on security resources allegedly provided by FBI Director Kash Patel to his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.