By Steve Neavling
FBI Director Kash Patel has cut back the agency’s longstanding tradition of daily intelligence briefings and weekly video calls with field office leaders, prompting concern from current and former officials, NBC News reports.
Patel now receives the director’s morning intelligence briefing just twice a week, a departure from the daily 8:30 a.m. sessions attended by his predecessors, according to two current and two former officials. He also ended the weekly Wednesday teleconferences with field leaders, though an FBI official said that change followed attempts to leak information.
Critics inside the bureau told NBC News they worry Patel isn’t taking the role seriously enough. Some briefing staff were reportedly told the schedule changed because Patel often showed up late. Meanwhile, he has drawn attention for traveling on FBI aircraft to cities where he has personal ties, including visits to his girlfriend in Nashville and a hockey game in New York.
FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson confirmed the reduced briefings but denied Patel had been tardy. He said Patel still participates in five morning meetings each week and is fully committed to his responsibilities.
Stacey Young, a former DOJ attorney, said many in the bureau believe leadership is too focused on optics and political loyalty.
“There’s a growing sense among the ranks that there’s a leadership void,” she said.
