FBI Director Kash Patel Under Fire for Olympic Trip Amid Controversy

Kash Patel's Olympic Celebration Draws Criticism

FBI Director Kash Patel is currently facing backlash regarding his trip to the Winter Olympics in Milan in February 2026. This scrutiny intensified after videos surfaced online showing him celebrating with the US men’s hockey team in their locker room following their gold medal win against Canada. In the clips, Patel is seen enjoying a beer, banging on a table, and wearing one of the players' gold medals. This behavior has led to criticism from various Democratic lawmakers and social media users, who have labeled the trip as a “taxpayer-funded vacation” and a “grift.”

Cost Analysis of Patel's Olympic Trip

Estimated Cost Of Kash Patel’s Olympics Trip

Reports suggest that the trip incurred costs to taxpayers ranging from $75,000 to $100,000 due to the use of a government-chartered Gulfstream G550 jet. This estimate is derived from government calculations indicating a minimum of $5,000 per flight hour for the FBI's aircraft. Given that a flight to Milan typically lasts about nine hours, travel expenses alone are estimated to be around $75,000. Some unverified claims on social media have suggested the trip could have cost as much as $400,000, but reputable news sources have primarily referenced the $75,000 figure based on standard flight costs. For security reasons, FBI directors are mandated to utilize government aircraft, but they are required to reimburse the government for any personal travel segments equivalent to a commercial airline fare.

Patel's Defense Against Criticism

Patel Responds To Backlash

In response to the criticism, Patel has asserted that his trip was conducted for official government purposes. According to the FBI and his spokesperson, Ben Williamson, the visit involved meetings with ambassadors, briefings on Olympic security, and discussions with Italian law enforcement. Patel shared images from his time at the Milan Joint Operations Center, emphasizing that insights gained during the Olympics would aid the United States in preparing for the upcoming FIFA World Cup this summer. Regarding the locker room celebration, Patel remarked, “I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys. Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.” In light of concerns about taxpayer funding, Patel later shared a screenshot of an email indicating that he would reimburse any personal expenses incurred during the trip.