 "Why is FBI chief Kash Patel deploying Swat teams for his girlfriend’s protection?")
Kash Patel is back in the spotlight, and not for the reasons he’d like. The FBI Director is facing fresh criticism after reports claimed he assigned Swat agents and other government resources to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.
According to a report in The New York Times, FBI resources have been diverted to Wilkins several times in recent months. The outlet, citing both current and former FBI officials, noted that using agents trained for specialised, high-risk missions in this manner is highly unusual.
And this isn’t the first time Patel’s actions have raised questions. Just a few months ago, he faced scrutiny for reportedly using a taxpayer-funded jet to attend one of Wilkins’ performances at a sporting event. While Patel, 45, has denied the claims, critics have called the pattern of decisions an abuse of power and a misuse of government resources.
So why exactly are Swat agents being deployed for Patel’s girlfriend? And is this even allowed? Here’s a closer look.
Why are Swat agents accompanying Wilkins?
The widely discussed incident unfolded at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, where Alexis Wilkins performed the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.
She arrived at the venue with two FBI Swat agents from the local field office, officers Patel had reportedly directed to accompany her. These agents are usually reserved for high-risk operations like hostage rescues, not event escorts.
Once the agents assessed the venue and found no immediate risk to the 27-year-old singer, they quietly left early.
According to The New York Times, Patel was angered by this decision. He allegedly reprimanded the team’s commander, arguing that Wilkins should not have been left without protection and criticising what he viewed as poor communication.
Patel believed that Wilkins, who is known in conservative circles, could still be vulnerable because of online threats she had received.
Wilkins, who has been with Patel for nearly three years, had posted screenshots showing several disturbing messages earlier this year, including ones urging her to “take a bullet” or harm herself. One threat was timestamped February 22, 2025, just a day after Patel was sworn in.
A similar situation played out in late September. After responding to the killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk in Utah, Swat agents from the Salt Lake City field office were abruptly redirected to protect Wilkins at a political event, out of fear she could also be targeted.
FBI director faces criticism
But many inside the agency have pushed back on these decisions to assign agents to protect the director’s girlfriend.
Former senior FBI agent Christopher O’Leary told MS NOW that there was “no legitimate justification for this,” noting that Wilkins is “not his spouse, does not live in the same house or even the same city.”
O’Leary also criticised the pattern of unusual resource use. “[Kash Patel]’s abusive and excessive use of the GV Jet for his personal adventures and the assignment of Swat-qualified special agents to guard his girlfriend are indicative of his lack of leadership experience, judgment and humility,” he said.
FBI defends Kash Patel
According to the bureau’s public statements, Wilkins’ protective detail was authorised after officials assessed repeated and credible threats directed at her online.
An FBI spokesperson said that her safety concerns necessitated enhanced protection, although the bureau declined to provide specific details, citing operational sensitivity.
Officials argue that Patel, as director, is a “required-use traveller” entitled to government aircraft and security assets, with the FBI emphasising that his travel and protective arrangements “follow all required regulations.”
Ben Williamson, Patel’s spokesman, further defended the deployments, saying the director would not compromise Wilkins’ safety and calling attacks on her “disgustingly baseless.”
He added that Patel reimburses the government for personal travel at the commercial-ticket rate, which is standard practice for senior officials.
With input from agencies
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