The FBI opened an investigation into New York Times reporter Elizabeth Williamson - because she wrote a story about FBI Director Kash Patel. Specifically, about Patel using official resources to arrange government protection and transport for his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins.

Agents interrogated Wilkins and searched databases for information about the reporter - to determine whether she had violated federal stalking and harassment laws. Some Justice Department officials expressed concern that the investigation was retaliation for a story Patel did not like. They concluded there was no legal basis and stopped it.

Williamson followed standard journalistic practices: one phone call with Wilkins, email exchanges, requesting sources - which Wilkins declined to provide. They never met in person.

Times editor Joseph Kahn reacted sharply: "This is a flagrant violation of the First Amendment and is alarming, unconstitutional and wrong."

The February story revealed that Wilkins had been receiving constant protection from special tactical teams - at concerts, in hair salons, everywhere. On taxpayer money, of course. Is the problem the story or what the story reveals?