FBI Director Kash Patel faces renewed scrutiny after celebrating with Team USA at the Olympics, as questions resurface over his use of government resources and prior jet travel controversies
Kash Patel is once again under scrutiny—this time after videos showed the FBI director celebrating with members of Team USA’s gold medal-winning men’s hockey team at the Winter Olympics in Italy.
Footage widely shared online captured Patel chugging beer, cheering in the locker room, and posing with players after the US defeated Canada to clinch gold. The celebrations unfolded just hours after an FBI spokesperson dismissed claims that Patel had used government resources for personal travel tied to the Olympics.
Patel appeared in social media videos alongside players including Dylan Larkin, celebrating as a gold medal was placed around his neck. He later posted photos of himself wearing a Team USA jersey and smiling with champagne-soaked players and coaches.
Kash Patel celebrates with Team USA 🇺🇸
pic.twitter.com/9sfF5o3Nlo— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) February 23, 2026
“Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude — what it takes to be the best in the world,” Patel posted on X. “These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.”
The optics, however, quickly drew flak. Patel’s agency is already grappling with perceptions among critics that he is unqualified for the role and overly casual in his management style.
Travel controversy resurfaces
Questions about Patel’s travel surfaced after a reporter asked whether his Italy trip included personal time at the Olympics. An FBI spokesperson responded sharply.
“Your rag outlet wrote that he went to hang out at the Olympics on the taxpayer dime — even when provided information that your theory was false,” wrote FBI assistant director for public affairs Ben Williamson. “When you’re ready to correct that let me know. Won’t hold my breath,” he added.
The celebration footage complicated that denial, even as Patel’s weekend schedule included meetings with Italian officials and announcements about enhanced cybersecurity cooperation.
Responding to the viral videos, Patel wrote on X, “For the very concerned media — yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on USA Hockey, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys. Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”
Ongoing jet use questions
This is not the first time Patel has faced scrutiny over travel.
Last year, he was accused of using a government Gulfstream jet for personal trips, including travel to see his girlfriend, country music singer Alexis Wilkins.
By law, Patel must reimburse the government for personal use of official aircraft. Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee previously requested records to confirm whether reimbursements had been made.
The lawmakers alleged Patel used government jets “for an overnight date with your girlfriend, a Scottish golfing excursion with your buddies, and a trip to a luxury hunting retreat called ‘Boondoggle Ranch.’”
“Why should American taxpayers be footing the bill for private jets every time you decide to hang out with your golf buddies, see your girlfriend, or go to your boondoggle escape?” they wrote.
Patel has defended his travel, telling Fox News last year: “I’ve also used the airplane less than my prior two predecessors. And, yes, I’m entitled to a personal life just like my other agency counterparts with their partners.”
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