Journalism of Courage
FBI Director Kash Patel is under renewed scrutiny after flight records suggested that a government-registered jet was used for a personal trip to attend his girlfriend’s wrestling event at Pennsylvania State University last weekend.
Patel, 45, appeared at the Real American Freestyle event with his partner, country singer Alexis Wilkins, 26, who performed at the show. Wilkins shared photos of the two together at the event on social media.
Over recent months, Patel has faced criticism from lawmakers for what they perceive as the frequent personal use of a government aircraft.
As FBI director, Patel is required to use official aircraft for all travel — official or personal — because he must have access to secure communications equipment. He is also required to reimburse the government for personal trips at the cost equivalent to a commercial ticket.
However, reports have highlighted Patel’s frequent trips to Nashville and sporting events, allegedly linked to personal engagements rather than FBI business.
When questioned by lawmakers earlier this year, Patel defended his travel habits, saying that “Congress made it mandatory” for him to use government planes, even for personal travel.
It remains unclear whether Patel conducted any official business during his visit to Penn State. Reports suggest he did not have any scheduled meetings or FBI events in the area during the wrestling show, which is part of an unscripted wrestling promotion co-founded by the late Hulk Hogan.
Earlier this year, The New York Times reported that Patel had combined official FBI field visits with personal travel to Nashville, where Wilkins lives.
