A new media firestorm erupted Tuesday after MSNOW published a report claiming President Donald Trump is considering firing FBI Director Kash Patel.
But within hours, the White House forcefully shut down the story, calling it yet another example of reckless reporting aimed at undermining the Trump administration.
White House Denies the Rumor Immediately
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt directly debunked the report, saying it was “completely made up.” She noted that when the story broke, she was in the Oval Office with President Trump and FBI Director Patel—a clear contradiction of the media’s narrative.
Leavitt blasted the rumor on X, emphasizing that the president continues to meet regularly with Patel as part of his law-and-order agenda that remains central to his administration.
Media Pushes Narrative of “Internal Tension”
Despite the White House’s clear denial, MSNOW claimed anonymous insiders were concerned about Patel’s handling of bureau resources and his clashes with other Trump-aligned officials. The network also floated the idea that senior FBI official Andrew Bailey might be positioned as a future replacement.
As usual, mainstream outlets seized on the speculation—ignoring the president’s repeated public praise for Patel’s efforts to clean up the FBI and restore integrity to federal law enforcement.
Bailey Mentioned as a Potential Successor
According to the report, Trump and advisers had discussed elevating Bailey, who currently serves as co-deputy director alongside Dan Bongino. Bailey will meet the 90-day requirement for possible appointment as acting director on December 15, meaning Trump could do it without Senate approval.
But again, the White House insists there is no plan to replace Patel—calling the entire story political theater designed to create division.
Trump Responds: “Totally False”
Leavitt said President Trump chuckled when he heard the rumor and turned to Patel, saying something along the lines of, “That’s completely untrue. Come on, Kash—let’s snap a photo so people can see you’re doing an outstanding job.”
The press secretary then posted a photo of Trump and Patel in the Oval Office—a direct rebuttal to MSNOW’s claims and a strong show of unity.
LOOK:
This story is completely made up.
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 25, 2025
In fact, when this Fake News published, I was in the Oval Office, where President Trump was meeting with his law enforcement team, including FBI Director Kash Patel.
I read the headline to the President and he laughed. He said: “What? That’s… https://t.co/qbsy0nW2Bg pic.twitter.com/aNL5Qw9MA8
Patel Defends His Record With Hard Facts
While the media focuses on rumors, Patel highlighted his actual results since becoming FBI director earlier this year:
- 30,000 arrests in nine months
- 25,000 violent felons taken off the streets
- 35% increase in counterespionage arrests
- 1,900 kilograms of fentanyl seized, a major victory in the fight against deadly drugs
- 5,400 missing children identified, a 17% increase year-over-year
Patel says these numbers reflect an FBI “working for the American people,” not the political class.
High-Profile Investigations Continue
Patel remains heavily involved in several ongoing national-security investigations, including work related to the Jeffrey Epstein files and other cases the public has demanded answers on for years.
Bottom Line
Despite the latest media frenzy, the White House is signaling confidence, unity, and stability within the president’s law-enforcement team. Trump continues to back Patel publicly, and nothing indicates a change in leadership is imminent.
The rumor may have generated clicks—but the facts show a very different story.