 "'She's a patriot': Kash Patel dismisses ‘baseless’ claims over using $60 million FBI jet to attend girlfriend’s event")
FBI Director Kash Patel has pushed back against mounting criticism over reports that he used a government jet to attend his girlfriend’s performance in Pennsylvania, denouncing the allegations as “disgustingly baseless” and politically motivated.
According to the Financial Times, Patel flew on an FBI aircraft to watch country singer Alexis Wilkins perform at a Penn State University wrestling event on October 25. The claims first surfaced after former FBI agent and conservative commentator Kyle Seraphin alleged that Patel used a USD 60 million Bureau jet “to hang out with his girlfriend on taxpayer money,” sparking outrage online.
In response, the FBI defended Patel, explaining that the director is required by law to travel on government aircraft for both official and personal trips. “FBI Directors are ‘required-use travelers’ under federal regulations,” said Ben Williamson, the Bureau’s Assistant Director for Public Affairs. “They’re actually barred from flying commercial. The reason for this is to maintain access to secure communications equipment in the event of an emergency.”
Patel, meanwhile, addressed the controversy head-on in a post on X, saying, “We will not be distracted by baseless rumors or noise from uninformed internet anarchists and fake news. Criticize me all you want, but going after my personal life or those around me is a total disgrace.”
Defending Wilkins, Patel added, “The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis — a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life — are beyond pathetic. She’s a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation who has done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes.”
Reports suggest Patel was angered by leaks about his travel, which may have led to the resignation of Steven Palmer, a 27-year FBI veteran who oversaw the Bureau’s aviation unit. Wilkins has since filed a USD 5 million defamation lawsuit against Seraphin.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsThe FBI has dismissed the controversy as “disingenuous and dumb,” stressing that Patel’s travel fully complies with agency policy.
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