Right-wing media turns on Kash Patel

[marmar]

Right-wing media turns on Kash Patel over Nancy Guthrie case
The FBI director is also facing criticism over his handling of the Epstein files

By Sophia Tesfaye
Senior Writer
Published February 14, 2026 6:45AM (EST)


(Salon) Not long ago, Kash Patel was a hero to MAGA world. A Trump loyalist, former Fox News regular and podcaster fluent in grievance politics, Patel was supposed to be the man who would finally bend the FBI to the will of a movement that spent years insisting the bureau was hostile to conservatives. Less than a year after his appointment as director, the same right-wing media ecosystem that once elevated Patel is increasingly turning on him — mocking his missteps and, in some cases, openly calling him a liar.

Patel’s tenure has been marked by a pattern of premature announcements and theatrical incompetence. Under his leadership, the FBI has lost significant institutional expertise. About 3,063 FBI employees reportedly left the bureau in 2025, according to data from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management. Of those who remain, roughly 1,000 special agents and others are said to be focused on redacting materials related to the Epstein files. A leaked internal FBI document from December revealed agents describing the bureau under Patel as “dismal,” “all f****d up” and a “rudderless ship,” concluding the director is “in over his head.”

The FBI’s investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance isn’t helping Patel brighten MAGA’s dimming view of his leadership. The 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1 after failing to show up at a friend’s house, where they had planned to livestream their church’s service. This week Patel went on Fox News’ “Hannity” to boast that the FBI was investigating “persons of interest” and that “substantial progress” had been made. Hours later, authorities detained delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos during a traffic stop in Tucson. He was questioned and released the same day without charges.

....(snip)....

But the lack of progress in the investigation is causing right-wing media apparatus to turn its gaze inward.

The conservative One America News Network aired a debunked report on Friday claiming the Pima County Sheriff’s Department had refused to cooperate with Patel’s FBI. Candace Owens, who called for Patel to “step down” after revelations that he was using his legal team to support lawsuits filed by his girlfriend, suggested the director was complicating the Guthrie investigation. “Goes without saying that there is something wrong with the Savannah Guthrie story,” Owens wrote on X. “The issue is it’s Arizona which is a political cartel. And Kash Patel is racing over there to play hero.” .................(more)

https://www.salon.com/2026/02/14/right-wing-media-turns-on-kash-patel-over-nancy-guthrie-case/

[LoisB]

1. Everyone in this maladministration is in over their heads. That probably happens

when your entire cabinet is made up of pod casters and Fox "News" hosts whose only expertise is kissing orange butt.

[leftstreet]

2. "I know the best people. I know the best managers..."

"I know the best people. I know the best managers. I know the best dealmakers. I know people who will make us so strong. I know guys that are so good." –Trump 2015.

"I'm going to surround myself only with the best and most serious people. We want top of the line professionals." –Trump 2016.

[LoisB]

7. Yep, I remember those lies, I mean lines.

[lame54]

3. To be fair to Kash...

He's there to protect Trump and harass his enemies
This kidnapping is traditional FBI stuff
He didn't sign up for that

[newdeal2]

4. I think he is there for the perks

Like the free planes and FBI vests.

He doesn't actually work, he just looks the other way which is good enough for Trump.

[lame54]

5. The grind was too much for Bongino

[usonian]

6. He's "not white enough" for the White Wing ... I mean right wing.

And two, he's just another flunky wearing a jacket adorned with badges.

In the real world, we need results. We don't need no stinkin badges for the camera.

Check out this store guard. Tell me what you see.



Patel is made of the same tough stuff, but with a fancier jacket and badges.