- Title: Kash Patel Wins $250K in Defamation Case Over Malicious Social Media Accusations
- Category: Defamation Wins Feed
- Tags: defamation, public officials, social media, default judgment, U.S. law
- Date: August 15, 2025
- Status: Published
FBI Director Kash Patel and his foundation won a $250,000 default judgment against blogger Jim Stewartson, who accused Patel of being a “Kremlin asset” and of orchestrating the January 6 Capitol attack. The U.S. District Court in Las Vegas ruled that Stewartson acted with actual malice, awarding both compensatory and punitive damages. Judge Andrew Gordon emphasized that while public figures must tolerate criticism, defamatory falsehoods made with malice are not protected speech. Stewartson failed to respond to the lawsuit, triggering the default ruling. For reputation defenders, this case is a blueprint: when digital accusations cross into reckless fabrication, courts are ready to respond with force.
Strategic Takeaway
Malicious defamation against public officials isn’t protected speech. Courts are now issuing six-figure judgments—even when the defendant refuses to show up.
Views: 0