The Flight That Got the FBI's Boss in Trouble
Kash Patel, 2020. Photo courtesy of Sgt. Keisha Brown, U.S. Army. Public domain.
FBI Director Kash Patel found himself in the spotlight for reasons beyond his official duties when he reportedly used a government-owned jet to fly to Pennsylvania to see his girlfriend perform. The trip, which took place in October 2025, involved Patel attending a wrestling event at Penn State University, where his partner, a country singer named Alexis Wilkens, sang the national anthem. This use of a $60 million FBI jet for personal travel has stirred quite the controversy, especially given Patel's previous vocal criticism of similar behavior by his predecessor.
A Jet-Setting FBI Director
Patel's flight to State College, Pennsylvania, was not a quiet affair. Flight logs, publicly accessible before being blocked, showed the FBI jet landing near Penn State on the day of Wilkins' performance. Wilkins herself shared photos from the event on her social media, including one with Patel inside the venue, confirming his presence.
This trip was one of multiple personal flights Patel has taken on government aircraft. Reports indicate that since his appointment as FBI director in early 2025, Patel has made several trips to Nashville, Wilkins' hometown, using FBI jets. Some of these visits were brief, with flights landing and departing within hours, suggesting quick personal visits rather than extended official business.
From Critic to Participant
The irony of Patel's jet use is underscored by his past statements. In 2023, Patel criticized former FBI Director Christopher Wray for using government jets for personal travel, calling for an end to what he described as "private jet travel that he pays for with taxpayer dollars to hop around the country," as reported by PEOPLE. Patel's podcast, Kash's Corner, featured him denouncing Wray's travel habits and promising to "ground" such practices.
Yet, Patel's own travel records reveal a pattern of frequent personal trips on FBI jets, including visits to Las Vegas, where he reportedly maintains a residence, and international travel to locations such as London, Australia, and Japan. The FBI has defended these trips, stating that Patel reimburses the government for personal travel and that such use is mandated by federal regulations requiring FBI directors to travel on government planes for security reasons.
Fallout and Firing
The media attention surrounding Patel's jet use reached a boiling point after the Pennsylvania trip. Stephen Palmer, a 27-year veteran of the FBI and head of the bureau's critical incident response group responsible for overseeing the agency's fleet of jets, was abruptly fired. Sources told Bloomberg Law that Palmer's dismissal was at least partially connected to Patel's anger over the negative press about his personal travel.
Palmer's firing surprised many within the agency, especially since flight logs were publicly available and the travel was not secret. Palmer was given the choice to resign immediately or be terminated, and the decision was made official shortly after Patel's trip to see Wilkins.
Official Responses and Public Statements
Patel has responded to the controversy with a mix of defiance and defense. On his social media platform X, he dismissed the reports as "baseless rumors" and criticized what he called "uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news" targeting his personal life and those around him, as reported by The Guardian. He described Wilkins as a "true patriot and the woman I'm proud to call my partner in life" and condemned the attacks against her as "disgustingly baseless."
FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson also defended Patel's travel, emphasizing that FBI directors are required by federal regulations to use government planes, even for personal trips, to maintain access to secure communications. Williamson stated that Patel has "significantly limited" personal travel compared to his predecessors and reimburses the government for personal flights, as reported by PEOPLE. He added that Patel is allowed occasional personal time to see family and friends but works "24/7 regardless."
Congressional Scrutiny and Public Reaction
The use of government resources for personal travel has drawn criticism from lawmakers and watchdogs. Vermont Senator Peter Welch questioned Patel's travel habits during a hearing, pointing out that rank-and-file FBI agents do not have access to private jets for personal use. Welch highlighted the disparity, noting that Patel's trips to events like UFC fights and hockey games raised questions about the appropriate use of taxpayer funds.
Critics argue that such travel undermines public trust and calls for greater accountability. Supporters of Patel emphasize the security protocols that necessitate government plane use for high-ranking officials and note that Patel reimburses the government for personal travel costs.
The Broader Context
Patel's jet use is part of a larger pattern of travel that includes official business and personal trips. Records show he has taken numerous flights to official events, including meetings with tech companies and FBI tournaments, alongside personal visits to his girlfriend and residences. The FBI maintains that these trips comply with regulations and that Patel's travel costs have been reduced compared to previous directors.
The controversy also highlights the tension between public expectations of government officials and the realities of security and operational requirements. Patel's previous criticism of government jet use by his predecessor adds a layer of complexity to the public discourse, raising questions about consistency and transparency.
What's Next?
As the debate over Patel's travel continues, the FBI's decision to fire a long-serving official over the fallout signals the seriousness with which the agency is handling the issue internally. Meanwhile, Patel's public defense and the FBI's official statements aim to reassure the public that the director's travel is lawful and justified.
For now, the story of FBI Director Kash Patel's government jet trips to see his girlfriend remains a vivid example of the challenges faced by public officials balancing personal life, security protocols, and public scrutiny.
References: Kash Patel Fires Stephen Palmer After Taking FBI Jet to See Girlfriend | Keystone Kash's Private Jet Perks Revealed | FBI fires top official amid Kash Patel's outrage over reports of agency jet use | FBI | The Guardian
