Seems like the mainstream media want to attack President Trump and anyone in his administration for anything.
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing growing criticism from media outlets after reports surfaced that he has distributed personalized bourbon bottles during public appearances and official events — a long-standing tradition many former FBI agents say has existed for years.
The controversy began after a report claimed Patel handed out commemorative bottles featuring the FBI seal along with the words “Kash Patel FBI Director.” Some reportedly included a replica of Patel’s signature and the number nine, symbolizing his place as the ninth Senate-confirmed FBI director.
The bourbon itself reportedly came from Woodford Reserve, a well-known Kentucky distillery. But current and former FBI officials quickly pushed back against efforts to portray the gifts as scandalous or improper.
An FBI spokesperson defended the practice, explaining that commemorative gifts and customized bottles have long been part of bureau culture across multiple administrations — including during the Biden years.
WATCH:
WTF!
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) May 6, 2026
Kash Patel gave out bottles of his personalized “Kash Patel – FBI Director” whiskey to staff and civilians he encountered in his duties.
8 people, including current and former FBI and DOJ employees and others who are familiar with Patel’s distribution of the bottles told… pic.twitter.com/YGbgS6IguE
“Personalized gifts like this are commonplace across government including the FBI,” bureau spokesman Ben Williamson said while criticizing what supporters see as another politically motivated media attack.
Several retired FBI agents also came forward to defend Patel, saying FBI-branded bottles, glasses, and retirement memorabilia have been exchanged internally for decades.
Former FBI Supervisory Special Agent James Gagliano said he personally received a similar engraved bottle upon his retirement after 25 years with the bureau.
According to Gagliano, commemorative items are often used to honor service milestones, retirements, and major assignments completed by agents working under intense pressure and dangerous conditions.
Many conservatives argue the outrage surrounding Patel has little to do with the gifts themselves and far more to do with his close alliance with President Donald Trump and his efforts to reform the FBI.
The dispute also comes as Patel continues fighting back against reports published by The Atlantic that questioned his leadership style and personal habits using anonymous sources.
Patel has strongly rejected those accusations and accused major media outlets of trying to discredit both him and the bureau officials working to restore public trust in the FBI.
“We have to fight back against the fake news,” Patel said during a recent Fox News appearance. “I won’t tolerate attacks on the men and women of the FBI that we’ve cleaned up.”
The FBI has maintained that all commemorative gifts distributed by Patel comply fully with ethics guidelines and bureau policy.
Supporters say the controversy highlights what they view as a double standard in media coverage, arguing that traditions accepted under previous administrations suddenly become national scandals when connected to Trump allies.
For many conservatives, the backlash against Patel is being viewed as yet another attempt by establishment media organizations to damage officials tied to President Trump’s America First agenda.
