FBI director’s delayed crypto stock disclosure criticized

FBI Director Kash Patel disclosed a $100,001–$250,000 Strategy (MSTR) stock purchase over six months late. Watchdogs criticized the STOCK Act breach, but Patel faced no penalty.

FBI Director Kash Patel purchased between $100,001 and $250,000 worth of shares in Strategy (MSTR)—formerly MicroStrategy, the world’s largest publicly traded Bitcoin holder—on November 21, 2025. However, he failed to report this transaction to federal regulators until May 26, 2026, exceeding the 45-day disclosure deadline mandated by the STOCK Act for senior officials. Patel attributed the delay to an unspecified miscommunication, stating the omission was unintentional. The late disclosure has drawn criticism from government watchdogs, who argue it undermines transparency and raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially given Strategy’s significant Bitcoin holdings and its interactions with federal agencies. Despite the violation, Patel has not faced penalties, and his disclosure has since been amended and approved. Since the purchase, Strategy’s stock price has reportedly dropped by about 50%.