FBI Director Kash Patel and his nonprofit, the Kash Foundation, have been awarded $250,000 in damages in a defamation case against blogger and podcaster Jim Stewartson, who accused Patel of being a “Kremlin asset,” plotting to overthrow the U.S. government, and helping plan the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
The ruling, issued August 5 by U.S. District Judge Andrew Gordon in Las Vegas, followed Stewartson’s failure to respond to the lawsuit. Patel and his foundation received $100,000 each in compensatory and punitive damages for Patel, and $25,000 each in compensatory and punitive damages for the foundation.
Patel had initially sought $10 million, alleging defamation, injurious falsehood, and business disparagement. Gordon said punitive damages were justified “in part to deter Stewartson and others from engaging in defamation,” adding that while public figures must tolerate factual criticism and opinion, false statements made with actual malice are not protected speech.
Court filings show Stewartson avoided accepting service for months before the lawsuit was finally delivered in October 2023. In his order, Gordon noted the plaintiffs provided limited proof of direct harm, pointing out that Patel was confirmed by the Senate as FBI Director after the remarks were made. Still, he said the statements — including claims Patel attempted to overthrow the government and planned the Capitol riot — caused presumed damages.
Stewartson denied being served, calling the lawsuit “frivolous” and saying he intends to pursue legal action of his own. He claims both Patel and former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn — who has a separate defamation suit against him — are targeting him for his reporting on their alleged ties to QAnon and January 6.
Patel declined to comment on the ruling.
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