According to sources quoted by MS Now, Kash Patel has ordered polygraph (lie detector) tests for more than two dozen current and former members of his FBI security detail in search of alleged leaks in the agency.The scope of the investigation extended beyond Patel’s security team to IT staff and other employees who had access to details about his schedule and internal decisions. The move follows a wave of negative coverage over Patel’s handling of the bureau and questions over his conduct in office. This included claims of excessive drinking, missing important meetings, using agency resources on girlfriends, and demanding expensive jets and cars on taxpayers’ dime.Patel ordered a polygraph this week to find out who in the agency might have talked to journalists. According to sources cited by MS Now, members of the team traveling with Patel as well as staff handling operational information were also targeted.Additionally, Patel has reportedly distanced himself from some senior FBI leaders. Sources said the director had limited contact with key operating officials during the week. This position caused concern among some within the FBI, who were concerned that the Director might not be closely involved in major investigations and national security matters.FBI spokesman Ben Williamson denied claims that Patel had withdrawn from senior staff meetings. He also declined to comment directly on the use of the polygraph.“I’ve been in general operational leader meetings with him every day this week … this is wrong,” Williamson said.He said, “The only people who live in panic in the media are the ‘panicans’ spreading false stories as they spend zero time covering this FBI’s record-breaking success in reducing crime.”The development follows reports that Patel recently ordered FBI agents to launch a criminal leak investigation into an article published by The Atlantic. The article claimed that Patel had drunk too much alcohol and was difficult to wake up the next morning.Some agents were uncomfortable with the investigation because they did not believe there were strong grounds for investigating a journalist’s reporting activities. There was also concern among agents that refusing to participate could jeopardize their jobs.The FBI and Justice Department initiate criminal leak investigations only when classified information is believed to have been compromised. In such cases efforts are rarely made to check the journalists’ records unless there is a serious national security concern.Patel’s actions and the polygraph test reflect growing concerns about his standing with US President Donald Trump. According to MS Now sources, senior Trump and White House aides have become frustrated with the negative headlines about Patel. There was also speculation that Kash Patel was “likely” to be removed from the role of FBI Director.This is not the first time that Patel has allegedly used polygraph examinations inside the bureau. In an earlier incident, dozens of agents were said to have been tested when reports emerged that Patel had requested a firearm through official channels, with the details of the request later discussed among the agents.Questions over Patel’s leadership have been following him for months. In late 2025, reports emerged that Trump and White House advisers had privately discussed whether he should remain FBI Director.Patel also faced investigation over his use of FBI resources for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Reports claimed he ordered a team of SWAT agents in Nashville to provide security and transportation for him. His office defended the arrangement, saying he had received threats and needed additional security.Further criticism followed claims that Patel used the government jet for personal travel, including trips related to Wilkins’ performance. Earlier this year, he also attracted attention by traveling to Milan during the Winter Olympics. Officials said the trip included security meetings, but video later showed Patel celebrating by drinking beer and spilling wine in the locker room after the U.S. men’s ice hockey team’s gold medal win.