‘Time to Kash out’: Why Kash Patel’s choice of new wheels has sparked a row

FBI director Kash Patel is once again in the firing line. This time, he’s facing flak for reportedly making the agency acquire specially armoured BMWs. Reacting to the news, former Justice Department official Stacey Young called it “an embarrassment,” while House Democrats have launched an investigation into Patel’s use of taxpayer resources. 

FBI officials have defended this move by arguing that the BMW was chosen because it was more cost-effective compared to other upgraded vehicles. Calling the criticism “nonsense,” Patel defended and described himself as a “steward of taxpayer dollars.”   

This is not the first time that Patel has faced heat for his taxpayer expenses. Earlier, Patel faced criticism for using the FBI’s private jet to visit his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins and even demanded a new and upgraded jet. But first, let’s discuss Patel’s BMW controversy.   

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An armoured luxury BMW: Patel’s purchase of pricey new vehicles 

FBI director Kash Patel reportedly pressured the FBI to purchase the BMW, according to an  MS Now  report. Traditionally, FBI directors travel in a Chevrolet Suburban for meetings, events or even a daily commute. However, this move by the FBI director is the latest eyebrow-raising use of government funds, putting him under intense scrutiny. 

Ben Williamson, FBI spokesperson, confirmed the purchase of the X5S. He said, “Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions. The specific decisions referenced in this article were evaluated partly as a way to save taxpayers millions by picking cheaper selections or making cost structures more efficient.” 

Williamson said in Patel’s defence that the X5S was more cost-effective than using the pre-existing fleet of Suburbans. But, he declined to show the document for the purchased X5S, stating that Patel’s choice was less expensive than others, and he wanted to save money.   

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Sources tell MS Now that a new armoured Suburban would have cost $480,000, which is double the price of the BMWs the FBI director requested. However, it remains unclear whether the armoured BMW X5S were cheaper than the Suburbans. Patel is the first FBI director to regularly use this foreign-branded vehicle, people familiar with the matter told MS Now. 

The US government has a contract with BMW for the armoured luxury SUVs. These SUVs have been used by the State Department to protect officials and diplomats in high-risk environments. The armoured X5S vehicles are designed to protect passengers from firearms such as the AK-47. It is reinforced with steel armour and ballistic glass, according to TOI. 

Opponents call it “embarrassing”; probe launched  

Critics, in an all-out attack against Patel, argued that such measures are unnecessary as previous FBI directors have travelled without armoured vehicles, as the risk of an attack is low in Washington, DC.   

Former Justice Department official Stacey Young accused Patel of putting his public image ahead of taxpayers’ concerns. “The purchase of BMW is an “embarrassment,” Young said. “Patel needs a field jacket that fits just right, a ‘Punisher’-inspired challenge coin and a new fleet of foreign cars to drive around in,” Young furthered. 

Responding to the report, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell strongly criticised saying, “It’s time to KASH OUT”. Swalwell also added that “Patel has lost the confidence of the team he must lead. Their leaks are desperate pleas to give them a director who can keep us safe,” seeking the FBI director’s resignation.   

As reported by Forbes, House Democrats have launched a probe into Patel’s use of taxpayer resources. A letter was sent to the FBI director in December, asking him to provide the detailed travel records. It also sought internal communication details about purchasing new aircraft for the FBI or the Justice Department. 

The FBI has disputed all criticism, terming it “nonsense.” He even called himself “steward of the taxpayer dollars.” Patel defended the use of the jet to visit his girlfriend, noting that he uses government airfields instead of private airports, and that it has saved money. 

Patel’s $115 million jet demand, and more 

The BMW purchase is not a standalone case. Patel, earlier, pushed the FBI to obtain a new and modern jet for his use. However, the plan did not succeed as the cost estimated ranged from $90 million to $115 million, reported the TOI.    

MS Now  reports citing two sources that the Gulfstream jet remains in use, and Patel ordered an upgrade to its communication equipment. The FBI director wanted a reliable internet, so people could post more on social platforms. However, former FBI officials raised concerns, stating that the jet had a dedicated communications station to secure calls. They also noted that serious communication failures were rare.   

In October, Patel was again under fire for using an FBI-owned jet to travel and watch his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, a country music singer. 

MS Now  reported another incident in which Patel was using SWAT team members as a security detail for Wilkins, sparking further criticism. Former FBI agent Christopher O’Leary even called out his action, saying, “This is a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources. There is no legitimate justification for the FBI director diverting law enforcement personnel to protect Wilkins, his girlfriend."     

With inputs from agencies