The FBI investigated a New York Times reporter after she wrote about Director Kash Patel using bureau personnel to provide his girlfriend with government security and transportation, according to a person briefed on the matter. Agents interviewed the girlfriend, queried databases for information on reporter Elizabeth Williamson, and recommended moving forward to determine whether she broke federal stalking laws.

Justice Department officials saw the inquiry as retaliation for an article Patel and his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins did not like, and determined there was no legal basis to proceed. The FBI said it is not pursuing a case, though investigators expressed concern about "aggressive reporting techniques crossing lines of stalking."

Joseph Kahn, The Times' executive editor, criticized the bureau. "The F.B.I.'s attempt to criminalize routine reporting is a blatant violation of Elizabeth's First Amendment rights and another attempt by this administration to prevent journalists from scrutinizing its actions," Mr. Kahn said. The Feb. 28 article described how Ms. Wilkins has a full-time protective detail of Special Weapons and Tactics team members drawn from FBI field offices around the country to accompany her to engagements including singing appearances and a hair appointment.