FBI Director Kash Patel has been criticised after using an official FBI jet to travel to Italy, where he was filmed celebrating with the gold medal-winning US men's hockey team at the Milano Cortina Olympics. The trip has reignited questions about his use of government resources for personal excursions.
Videos shared on social media show Patel chugging beer and partying in the locker room alongside Team USA players after their victory over Canada. The footage, posted on Instagram Live by player Dylan Larkin, also shows Patel wearing a gold medal and screaming in celebration. In a post on X, Patel said he was 'extremely humbled' to be invited by his 'friends' on the team.
An FBI spokesperson had earlier denied that Patel's trip was a personal holiday, calling such claims 'false' in a statement to reporters. However, Patel was seen in the crowd watching the games and attending celebrations. He also posted about official meetings with Italian ministers and a new cybersecurity agreement, as well as an update on a security incident at Mar-a-Lago.
This is not the first time Patel has faced accusations of misusing official resources. Last year, he was alleged to have used a government Gulfstream jet for dates with his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, as well as for a golfing trip to Scotland and a hunting trip in Texas. Patel has defended his use of the jet, saying he uses it less than his predecessors and is entitled to a personal life. By law, he must reimburse the government for any personal travel. Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee have requested records to check whether reimbursement has been made.
