MSNBC forced to issue on-air correction after guest claims FBI Director Kash Patel spends more time in nightclubs than office

The claim was originally made on Friday by MSNBC contributor and former FBI Assistant Director Frank Figliuzzi. During a discussion about the state of the FBI, Figliuzzi criticized Patel's leadership and said there was “chaos” within the bureau.

“Reportedly, he’s been visible at nightclubs far more than he has been on the seventh floor of the Hoover Building,” Figliuzzi told MSNBC hosts on air.

Despite this claim, the network walked back the statement on Monday, with Morning Joe host Jonathan Lemire addressing the issue directly during the program. Lemire issued a correction and called Figliuzzi’s claim a “misstatement.”

“Let’s circle back to a segment from Friday’s show,” Lemire said. “Frank Figliuzzi was on that morning during this hour, discussing the work of administration officials. At the end of that segment, Figliuzzi said that FBI director Kash Patel has reportedly been more visible at nightclubs than at his office at FBI headquarters.”

“This was a misstatement. We have not verified that claim,” Lemire admitted.

Parel was appointed FBI Director after President Donald Trump took office, and his appointment has drawn sharp criticism from some former intelligence officials. Patel has been outspoken about reform needed within the bureau, particularly the need to downsize its staff. However, the FBI has also seen a record number of job applications since Patel assumed office.