FBI Director Kash Patel defended his use of the bureau’s $60 million aircraft for travel that has included visits to his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, along with trips tied to sporting events and hunting. Patel told a podcast audience he attends only about “15 percent” of Wilkins’s shows and dismissed criticism of his travel as “nonsense.”
Patel’s Remarks
'No one told them not to go on vacation,' Patel said, pushing back on comparisons to previous FBI directors. 'If I was actually abusing it, I would go see every one of her shows. I think I get to, like, 15 percent.'
Appearing with Wilkins on Katie Miller’s podcast, Patel said he has visited Wilkins’ home a few times for holidays and birthdays and estimated he has seen her perform three times this year.
How Personal Travel Is Handled
The FBI director’s jet use became a national scandal when it was revealed that he flew to Pennsylvania to see Wilkins perform at a wrestling event on Oct. 25, before flying to Nashville, her hometown, later that same day. / Alexis Wilkins / Instagram
By executive-branch policy, bureau officials who use FBI aircraft for personal travel must reimburse the government an amount equivalent to a commercial airfare; however, taxpayers still cover other operational flight costs that can run into the tens of thousands of dollars. Patel—who previously criticized former FBI directors for similar travel—says he and Wilkins try to limit taxpayer expense by routing travel through government airfields, a practice he estimates saves roughly $4,000–$7,000 per trip.
Flight Records And Reporting
Media reporting has documented multiple flights linked to Patel: at least six trips to Nashville (where Wilkins is based) and 10 trips to Las Vegas (where Patel owns a home). The Bulwark reported that Patel’s first trip to Nashville occurred three days after his swearing-in, with flight logs showing several round-trip flights between Manassas, Va., and Nashville within a short period. The jet’s use drew particular attention after reports that Patel flew to Pennsylvania to see Wilkins perform on Oct. 25 and then flew to Nashville later that same day.
Security Details And Other Concerns
Patel, 45, isn’t in a hurry to propose to Wilkins, 27. “It’s definitely coming, so I wouldn’t worry about it. And the beautiful thing about us is that it doesn’t matter,” he said. / X/Alexis Wilkins
Reporting has also raised questions about the use of FBI personnel for Wilkins’s security. In November it was reported that Patel assigned an entire FBI SWAT team to provide security for Wilkins. Subsequent accounts allege that Patel asked the security detail at least twice to escort one of Wilkins’s reportedly intoxicated friends home.
Context And Reaction
Critics say these actions risk the appearance—or reality—of misusing taxpayer resources and have compounded concerns about Patel’s leadership, including public criticism of his handling of high-profile cases such as the Brown University mass shooting. Patel has acknowledged expecting scrutiny and defended his travel choices and broader tenure, saying the FBI is having "the best year the FBI has ever had." The Daily Beast and others have sought comment from the FBI.
All reported facts above are drawn from media coverage and flight records cited in published reports; Patel and the FBI have been contacted for comment by outlets reporting these items.
