FBI Director Responds to MS Now’s Report on Russia Trip

WASHINGTON — FBI Director Kash Patel criticized MS Now on Wednesday following the outlet’s assertion that he had secretly traveled to Moscow. Contrary to that claim, the FBI clarified that Patel was actually at Liberty University in Virginia.

On air, MS Now reporter Ken Dilanian expressed concern, stating, “We don’t know what Kash Patel is doing in Russia. And that’s one of the things that’s concerning our FBI sources—they don’t know either.” This remark was based on inputs from “two people familiar with the matter.”

The FBI took to X to refute the report, declaring, “MS Now’s ‘sources’ are ‘familiar’ with NOTHING!” The bureau also shared videos illustrating both the erroneous report and Patel’s appearance at the university.

The FBI pointed out: “Left: MS Now reports two sources familiar say Kash Patel just landed in Russia. Right: Here’s where Kash Patel actually is… Liberty U, doing a law enforcement appreciation event.”

Patel bolstered the FBI’s denial, stating, “Facts over clickbait.”

Plans for a potential visit by Patel to Russia had been reported back in July.

As of now, MS Now has not provided a response to the requests for comment.

Other senior officials from the Trump administration have made trips to Moscow this year. For instance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe was in the Russian capital on August 25 to convey warnings regarding hostilities with NATO members, particularly concerning cyberattacks amid rising tensions related to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, efforts to address the situation between Russia and Ukraine have involved Trump’s special envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who met with Russian President Vladimir Putin last month before heading to Kyiv to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

This story is still developing, so updates may follow.