The Atlantic isn’t backing down

Poynter · Tom Jones · last updated May 8, 2026 – 3:35 AM

The publication’s editor-in-chief says a lawsuit and potential FBI probe will not deter its journalists from publishing the truth.

If the FBI and its director Kash Patel thought they could intimidate The Atlantic and reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick with lawsuits and federal investigations, they have been given a resounding wake-up call.

The Atlantic is making itself clear. They are standing behind their reporter. They are standing behind their journalism. They won’t be backing down.

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