Steve Bannon Alleges 'Sanctioned Hit' in Maria Bartiromo's Interview with Kash Patel
Steve Bannon has made a sharp critique of the Trump administration's current stance toward FBI Director Kash Patel, following a controversial report from The Atlantic detailing his personal conduct. During a recent episode of his "War Room" podcast, Bannon suggested that Fox News host Maria Bartiromo's intense questioning of Patel to provide evidence supporting claims of a stolen 2020 election appeared to be a "sanctioned hit" orchestrated by the administration.
Bartiromo's Grilling and Patel's Response
In the interview, Bartiromo pressed Patel on whether he possessed any information to back former President Donald Trump's assertions that the 2020 election was "rigged" against him. Patel responded affirmatively, stating, "Absolutely," before launching into an extended rant. He declared, "We are not going to take this and have not taken this laying down," emphasizing his commitment to the issue.
Bannon's Comparison to Previous Political Confrontations
After playing a clip of the exchange, Bannon drew a parallel to a similar interaction involving Senator John Kennedy (R-La.) and then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in March, shortly before Trump dismissed her. Bannon remarked, "He literally eviscerated her," referring to Kennedy's aggressive questioning of Noem during a congressional hearing last month. He explained, "When you see something like that, that's called a sanctioned hit. That is signed off on, they're trying to get some information out or trying to see exactly if somebody is really doing their job."
Implications for Patel and the FBI
Bannon then asserted that Bartiromo was effectively executing the same tactic with Patel. He stated, "Maria Bartiromo, that was a sanctioned hit yesterday on Kash. I think somebody wants to know when Kash and the FBI are really going to start to ramp up here." This comment highlights ongoing scrutiny over Patel's leadership and the FBI's actions under his direction.
Background on Patel's Recent Scandals
Patel has faced significant controversy in recent months, stemming from a damning story published in The Atlantic and his behavior at the 2026 Winter Olympics. He was filmed chugging beer in the Team USA hockey locker room after their gold medal victory, raising questions about his professionalism. Last week, Patel defended his presence at the Olympics, claiming it was part of the FBI's official duties in providing security for the Games.
Additionally, Patel has vehemently denied the accuracy of The Atlantic's reporting. On Monday, he filed a $250 million lawsuit against the outlet, accusing it of publishing a "hit piece" designed to damage his reputation. These legal and personal challenges add layers to the political dynamics discussed by Bannon.
Broader Political Context
This incident underscores the tense relationships within the Trump administration and its allies, as figures like Bannon use media platforms to influence perceptions and hold officials accountable. The allegations of a "sanctioned hit" suggest internal pressures and expectations for Patel to demonstrate results, particularly regarding election fraud investigations.
