Kash Patel’s FBI Propaganda Video Rips Off Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” — AI or Just Lazy?

Kash Patel, the FBI director known more for loyalty purges and weaponizing federal agencies than actual law enforcement, has now stooped to ripping off pop culture for his propaganda efforts. According to a report from NPR and a detailed breakdown by the AV Club, Patel posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) that shamelessly plagiarizes the Beastie Boys’ 1994 hit “Sabotage.”

The video features clips of FBI agents doing their “important” fraud busting work, all set to the unmistakable soundtrack of “Sabotage.” But it’s not just the music that’s lifted — the visuals appear to directly copy scenes from the Beastie Boys’ original music video, known for its frantic, stylized shots and action-movie vibe. The kicker? None of this was credited or licensed.

This stunt comes on the heels of Patel suing The Atlantic for reporting on his alleged on-the-job drinking problem, a move that reeks of intimidation rather than accountability. Patel’s use of AI to cobble together this propaganda clip is another example of how he weaponizes technology and federal resources to polish his image and attack critics, rather than serve the public interest.

The “Sabotage” ripoff is more than just a copyright issue. It’s emblematic of Patel’s broader pattern of dishonesty and manipulation. He’s not just running the FBI — he’s turning it into a personal PR machine, using whatever tools and tricks he can find to rewrite the narrative. And in the process, he drags down the credibility of the bureau and undermines trust in law enforcement.

This episode also highlights the dangers of AI-generated content when wielded without ethics or oversight. Patel’s video isn’t just lazy; it’s a calculated attempt to deceive the public by co-opting cultural touchstones without permission or transparency.

For a man who claims to uphold the rule of law, Kash Patel’s actions say otherwise. Plagiarizing a beloved song and video to sell a false image of FBI competence fits perfectly into the disturbing pattern of corruption, politicization, and authoritarian overreach we’ve come to expect from this administration’s loyalists.

We’ll keep tracking Patel’s moves, because when the head of the FBI is busy spinning propaganda instead of protecting democracy, it’s not just a clown show — it’s a threat.