FBI Director Kash Patel Draws Fire After Locker-Room Drinking Video at Milan Olympics

FBI Director Kash Patel, 45, is facing intense criticism after videos surfaced showing him drinking beer and celebrating with members of the U.S. men’s hockey team in a Milan locker room following Team USA’s victory over Canada at the Winter Olympics.

Meghan McCain/X

Trip Scrutiny and Official Response

The footage — widely shared on social media — appears to show Patel singing and chugging beer alongside players after the game. The episode prompted questions because Patel reportedly traveled to Milan on an FBI Gulfstream G550. A spokesman for Patel said the trip was official and focused on security meetings; the spokesman also said any personal expenses would be reimbursed. Patel’s office has declined to characterize the trip as purely recreational.

Steve Baker/X

Political and Public Reaction

Reaction was swift and bipartisan. Conservative commentator Meghan McCain posted, “Does Kash Patel ever work?” Democratic Senator Cory Booker criticized the trip as an inappropriate use of taxpayer funds, saying Americans facing higher costs would be outraged. Former Obama aide Tommy Vietor and other critics called for Congressional queries into the trip’s cost.

FBI director Kash Patel quaffing beer at the Winter Olympics as investigators appear to have made zero progress on the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie who has now been missing for more than 3 weeks. / William Turton/X

NBC reporter Ken Dilanian and others quoted current and former FBI officials who said they could not imagine a prior FBI director using taxpayer-funded travel for what one described as a personal “moment.”

Supporters on the right — including prominent MAGA voices and White House Communications Director Steven Cheung — defended Patel, saying critics were overreacting and noting Team USA’s victory.

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother Nancy has been missing since Feb. 1. / NBC / Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty I

Timing Amid Other Crises

Critics emphasized the timing of the celebration. The videos surfaced while the FBI continued searching for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie — the mother of NBC personality Savannah Guthrie — and as U.S. tourists in parts of Mexico were advised to shelter in place following the killing of a top cartel figure. Patel also posted from Milan about a separate security incident at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago, saying the FBI was dedicating necessary resources to that investigation.

Patel attended the men's hockey final in Milan using taxpayer money as chaos unfolded at home. / Elsa/Getty Images

Past Scrutiny of Aircraft Use

Patel has faced prior scrutiny over his use of FBI aircraft. Previous reporting and critics alleged he used bureau jets for non-official travel, including to attend hockey games and accompany his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. A spokesperson has disputed claims that Patel’s travel was personal and said agency rules were followed.

Members of the special units of the National Guard and the Secretaria de Seguridad Ciudadana stand guard in front of the Fiscalia General de la Republica, where the investigation into the operation in which Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias

Patel’s Response

In a post on X shortly after the footage circulated, Patel said he was honored to have been invited into the locker room by “my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA,” and described the moment as historic. The FBI has been contacted for comment by several outlets.

What Remains Unresolved: Questions remain about the precise purpose of the Milan trip, which costs were charged to the government versus paid personally, and whether the appearance at a postgame locker-room celebration is consistent with the bureau’s policies for official travel.