FBI Director Patel and foundation win defamation lawsuit against blogger, awarded $250,000

FBI Director's Legal Victory: FBI Director Kash Patel and his foundation won a default judgment in a defamation lawsuit against blogger Jim Stewartson, who accused Patel of being a "Kremlin asset" and involved in the January 6 Capitol attack. The court awarded Patel $250,000 in damages after Stewartson failed to respond to the lawsuit.

Judge's Ruling on Defamation: Judge Andrew Gordon noted that while factual criticism of public figures is protected speech, defamatory statements made with actual malice are not. Despite awarding damages, he acknowledged a lack of concrete evidence showing significant harm to Patel's reputation or business.