CRBC News
Culture
Society
Security
Health
Conflict
Science
Technology
Politics
Environment
Lifestyle
Economy

Ingraham Challenges FBI Director Kash Patel Over Alleged Use of Agency Jet for 'Personal Joyrides'

A 115-page report based on anonymous accounts accused the FBI under Director Kash Patel of dysfunction and included allegations about his conduct while using the bureau's aircraft. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have opened an inquiry after claims that Patel used the agency's $60 million plane for personal travel, including an alleged overnight date and recreational trips. Patel defended himself on air, saying directors are required to use the plane, that he reduced costly previous practices, and that he has used the aircraft less than his predecessors while maintaining a private life.

01:59 PM, 12/03/2025Politics

Fox commentator Laura Ingraham pressed FBI Director Kash Patel over recent allegations that he used the agency's aircraft for personal trips, including social and recreational events.

Report and Allegations

The questioning followed publication of a 115-page report based on anonymous accounts from 24 current and former FBI employees. The report described the bureau under Patel as 'rudderless' and severely dysfunctional, and included an allegation that Patel refused to disembark a plane until he was provided with a medium-sized flak jacket.

Congressional Inquiry

Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee have opened an investigation into Patel's use of the bureau's aircraft. In a letter to the director, Representative Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) cited claims that Patel used a government plane—valued at roughly $60 million—for an overnight date with his girlfriend, a Scottish golf trip with friends, and a visit to a luxury hunting property described in the report as 'Boondoggle Ranch.'

Patel's Response

On air, Patel rejected the characterization that he 'commandeered' the plane for leisure trips. He said that FBI directors are required users of agency aircraft and are not permitted to fly commercially, and argued that previous leaders had been less cost-conscious by treating certain commercial airports as de facto hubs.

'The FBI director — all FBI directors — are required users of the FBI plane. They don't let me fly commercially,' Patel said. 'My predecessors wasted millions by using Reagan National as a personal hub. I shut that policy off and mandated the use of government airfields.'

Patel added that he has used the aircraft less than his two immediate predecessors and defended his right to a private life. He acknowledged taking trips with his partner but said the more sensational claims—about flak jackets, velcro, and plane usage—do not reflect the facts and, he argued, are being amplified by those opposed to changes at the bureau.

The exchange highlights intensifying scrutiny around the bureau's operations and leadership decisions as lawmakers pursue additional information.

Similar Articles

Trending