Kash Patel Faces Backlash for Allegedly Using FBI Jet for Personal Trips
FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny for allegedly using government aircraft for personal trips.
Patel, appointed to the position in February 2025, reportedly took flights on an FBI jet to attend sporting events.
One of the trips was on Air Force One, accompanying President Donald Trump to a UFC event in Miami on April 12.
Patel also traveled to attend two NHL games: one in Washington on April 4 and another in Long Island on April 6.
It remains unclear whether government aircraft were used for these trips, though a DOJ-owned Boeing 757 was spotted at JFK Airport.
The plane landed shortly before the Long Island game and departed shortly after it ended, fueling speculation, as NextShark reported.
Patel also took several trips to Nashville, where his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, lives.
Three round-trip flights were reportedly made on a DOJ-owned Gulfstream jet to Nashville.
One of these trips included a business meeting with Tennessee senators and local law enforcement officials.
However, the purpose of the other trips to Nashville remains unclear, drawing further questions.
FBI officials have yet to comment on Patel’s travel arrangements.
Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin (D) has called for an investigation into the use of taxpayer money.
Durbin has expressed concerns over the apparent misuse of government resources for Patel’s personal travel.
Critics like former FBI counterterrorism official Christopher O’Leary have also condemned Patel’s travel practices.
O’Leary has described Patel’s use of government aircraft for personal reasons as “a bad leadership example.”
Patel’s tenure has been marked by several controversies, including personnel changes and actions against FBI officials.
Beyond his travel habits, Patel has made significant changes within the FBI, including suspending analyst Brian Auten.
Auten had previously been named a “deep state” actor in Patel’s book, “Government Gangsters.”
In late February, Patel was removed as acting director of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll was appointed as Patel’s replacement in the position.
Despite these controversies, Patel recently celebrated the FBI’s arrest of Harpreet Singh, an alleged terror operative.
Singh is linked to multiple terror attacks in Punjab, India, and entered the U.S. illegally.
Patel hailed the FBI’s success, writing on X, “Justice will be done.”
The FBI has reportedly requested information about purchasing another jet for “required-use executive travel.”
The purchase request comes as Republican senators, who criticized similar travel by previous directors, remain silent on Patel’s usage.
Critics have pointed out that while the FBI’s request may be legitimate, Patel’s use of government jets for personal travel is questionable.
The situation has raised further concerns over the transparency and accountability of the FBI under Patel’s leadership.
The Department of Justice has yet to release an official statement addressing Patel’s travel practices.
Patel’s supporters argue that his actions are consistent with the demands of his high-profile role as FBI director.
However, the growing scrutiny of his travel arrangements has raised significant questions regarding his leadership.
As the investigation into Patel’s travel practices unfolds, it remains to be seen whether further action will be taken.
The controversy surrounding Patel’s use of government aircraft has become a focal point in his tenure as FBI director.
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