FBI Director Kash Patel is facing criticism over changes to internal procedures and his leadership style, according to a report published by NBC News this week.
The report comes as Patel testified before both the House and Senate, marking his first major appearance since assuming the role.
NBC News cited current and former Justice Department and FBI officials who expressed concerns about Patel’s decision to scale back certain traditional practices within the bureau.
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Among the changes is a reported reduction in the number of full morning briefings Patel attends.
According to the outlet, Patel now receives formal briefings twice a week instead of the daily briefings previously held by past directors.
Officials also noted that Patel discontinued the bureau’s long-standing weekly video teleconference with field office leaders.
According to sources cited in the report, the decision was made following attempted leaks from the teleconferences that resulted in media coverage.
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FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson confirmed that the 8:30 a.m. daily director’s briefings have been reduced, but disputed any suggestion that the changes were due to Patel missing or arriving late to meetings.
“This change was based on feedback from people in the Bureau — NOT the Director’s schedule or attendance,” Williamson said.
“He still has five morning meetings per week. These meetings are critical to keeping America safe.”
Williamson also addressed questions about Patel’s recent travel, stating that the director has followed all ethics protocols.
“The FBI does not comment on travel arrangements for security purposes,” Williamson said.
“All ethical guidelines are followed rigorously.”
NBC News reported that a dozen current and former officials from the FBI and DOJ said the changes raised questions about whether Patel is taking the role seriously.
Critics reportedly pointed to his presence on social media, where he has been seen wearing FBI-branded apparel, firing a rifle, and engaging directly with field personnel.
NBC News also noted that a photo of Patel wearing a badge sparked internal discussion, though the outlet did not report any violations of policy.
Williamson declined to elaborate on whether the director’s six cited trips in recent weeks were related to official bureau business but reiterated that the director continues to speak regularly with field office leaders even without the weekly videoconference.
The report comes as Patel navigates his early months in office and implements structural and operational changes within the FBI.
Critics of past FBI leadership have pushed for reforms following scrutiny over high-profile investigations in recent years.
NBC’s report did not allege any legal or ethical violations and did not identify any formal complaints lodged against Patel.
While some internal sources questioned the changes to daily briefings and conference calls, the FBI maintains that security protocols and communication channels remain intact.
Patel’s leadership style contrasts with his predecessors, some of whom maintained lower public profiles.
Kash Patel : “Harm our children, you will be given no sanctuary. There is no place we won’t hunt you down.. And there is no cage we will not put you in should you do harm to our children.” pic.twitter.com/ArDq5d25fA
— JOSH DUNLAP (@JDunlap1974) May 11, 2025
Patel has been more publicly visible and active across bureau operations. According to the FBI, no policy changes have diminished operational readiness or intelligence sharing.
As of Friday, no members of Congress have issued public statements in response to the report.
Patel’s recent testimony before both chambers included briefings on bureau operations, national security threats, and internal accountability measures.
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