The FBI director, Kash Patel, has come under criticism after urging the bureau to buy armored BMW X5 SUVs he said made him appear “less conspicuous,” departing from the FBI’s traditional use of Chevrolet Suburbans. The FBI confirmed the purchases but has not released cost documents or shown the X5s are more cost-effective. The move adds to scrutiny over Patel’s use of government resources, including use of an FBI jet and assigning SWAT personnel as a security detail for his girlfriend.
Kash Patel Faces Backlash After Securing Armored BMW X5s to Appear ‘Less Conspicuous’
Michael M. Santiago/Getty; BMWKash Patel; BMW X5 VR6
FBI Director Kash Patel is under scrutiny after the bureau purchased armored BMW X5 SUVs for his personal transportation — a departure from the agency’s long-standing use of Chevrolet Suburbans for personnel movement. Critics say the change, and other recent decisions involving government resources, raise questions about judgment and fiscal responsibility.
What Happened
MS NOW reported that Patel, 45, pushed the FBI to acquire specially outfitted, armored BMW X5s, telling colleagues he preferred the vehicles because they made him appear “less conspicuous on his outings.” FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson confirmed the acquisition and framed it as routine fleet management, saying agencies "routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions." Williamson added the decisions were evaluated in part as a way to save taxpayers money by selecting cost-efficient options.
Cost, Capability, And Transparency Questions
The bureau has not released documents detailing the price of the new X5s, cost comparisons with the Suburbans, or an explanation of why the change was necessary. Public listings for fully armored luxury SUVs are limited; Car and Driver noted a similarly outfitted Cadillac Escalade sold for about $350,000 in 2019. BMW’s description of the X5 Protection VR6 advertises protection "not just against attacks with blunt instruments and handguns, but also against the world’s most widely used firearm, the AK-47," underscoring the vehicle’s high-end security capabilities.
Stefan Sauer/picture alliance via GettyA black BMW X5 Protection VR6, similar to the one recently purchased by FBI director Kash Patel
Context: Other Controversies Over Resource Use
The X5 purchase arrives amid broader criticism of Patel’s use of government assets. In October, he was criticized for flying on an FBI-owned jet to attend a Penn State wrestling event where his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, performed the national anthem. The following month, MS NOW reported that Patel reassigned SWAT members to provide security for Wilkins — a move former FBI agent Christopher O’Leary called “a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources,” since Wilkins is not Patel’s spouse and does not live with him.
Earlier this year, Patel reportedly sought a new FBI jet; that proposal was reportedly abandoned after cost estimates ranging from $90 million to $115 million prompted objections. At a September hearing, Sen. Peter Welch questioned Patel’s personal travel practices — noting that rank-and-file FBI agents assigned in Washington do not have access to private aircraft for routine travel. Patel said some aircraft use is mandated by congressional security rules for his position.
Reactions And Implications
Lawmakers, former agents, and watchdogs have expressed concern about transparency and the potential for perceived misuse of taxpayer-funded resources. Supporters might argue that modernizing the protective fleet can improve security and efficiency; critics counter that the bureau should provide clear documentation showing cost-effectiveness and operational necessity for such purchases.
Key Quote: "Government agencies, including the FBI, routinely evaluate, replace and update vehicle fleets based on usage, security needs or budgetary decisions," FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson said in a statement confirming the purchase.
As calls for further documentation grow, the FBI may face additional inquiries about procurement practices and the line between personal preference and official security needs.
