Kash Patel, the head of the FBI, took a firm stand in defense of his use of a private jet to visit his partner, country‑music star Alexis Wilkins. He warned that Democrats in Congress who are criticizing him should scrutinize their own travel habits.
For weeks, members of the House Judiciary Committee—particularly Democrats—have been probing Patel’s jet usage. In response, the director stressed that he is legally barred from taking commercial flights for official business.
When asked on “The Katie Miller Podcast,” he said, “[We] pay for our personal travel, which we do, like all members of the Cabinet and other agency heads do.” He added, “It’s ironic that they’re saying, ‘Oh, you’re going on vacation or you’re going to see your girlfriend perform’,” and continued, “And if I was actually abusing it, I would go see every one of her shows. I think I get to like 15%.”
Patel also pointed to an early decision in his tenure to use government airfields for his private trips, arguing it saved taxpayers money that would otherwise be spent on civilian airport operations.
Earlier this month, Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin (D‑Md.) and Rep. Sydney Kamlager‑Dove (D‑Calif.) urged Patel to “reimburse the government for non‑official travel” in a letter, as Axios reported. The request followed stories in The New Yorker and other outlets alleging that the FBI chief had been using the agency’s private jet to visit Wilkins, attend sporting events, and more.
When questioned about the frequency of his trips to see Wilkins since January, Patel said he’s watched her perform at least three times and has visited her home a few times for holidays and birthdays. Wilkins countered the criticism by explaining that she prefers to travel to him when her schedule allows, noting, “If I’m not working in Nashville, if I’m not on the road somewhere, you know, I’ll come here because it makes the most sense.”
The pair have also faced accusations that Patel assigned a security detail to escort one of Wilkins’ intoxicated friends home—a claim the FBI has rebuffed. Regardless, the allegation remains a talking point for Democrats.
Conspiracy theories online have added to their frustration, with some alleging that Wilkins is acting as a “honeypot” for a foreign intelligence service, such as Israel. Wilkins has repeatedly dismissed these rumors. When asked about the bizarre claims that she is a Mossad operative, she replied, “I, too, have that question for the Internet.” She continued, “I’m not Jewish. I’m Christian. I’m Armenian,” and admitted, “I’m not really sure how we got there. I’ve never been to Israel. I’d like to love to go.” “I’m just as confused as everyone else is.”
When the couple faces backlash, Wilkins says she leans on loved ones for support. At one point, Patel hinted at future engagement plans, promising, “We won’t disappoint.”
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