The Atlantic has asked a court to dismiss a defamation lawsuit brought by Kash Patel, describing the case as an “assault” on constitutional protections for the press. The magazine’s filing argues that allowing the claim to proceed could weaken First Amendment safeguards for reporting and commentary on public figures.

The available material does not provide the underlying allegations, the article at issue, the court or any financial damages sought. The dispute appears to centre on whether The Atlantic’s coverage of Patel can meet the high legal threshold required for a public figure to prove defamation.