FBI Chief Kash Patel Flies Agency Jet to Italy for Meetings and Olympic Hockey

FBI Director Kash Patel boarded an agency jet Thursday morning, bound for Italy, where he is set to engage in official discussions and catch the USA men’s Olympic hockey team in action.

Landing just hours later, Patel's itinerary includes meetings with Italian law enforcement officials, a follow-up with Ambassador Fertitta, and consultations with Legat staff. Sources indicate that this trip was organized months in advance, contrary to speculation about its nature.

According to agency protocols, FBI directors are mandated to utilize government aircraft for both personal and official travel. This ensures they have secure communication access and can respond swiftly in emergencies. However, they must reimburse the government for any personal flights taken.

Ben Williamson, the FBI’s assistant director for public affairs, took to social media to clarify the purpose of Patel's trip. “No, it’s not a personal trip. Director Patel is on a trip that was planned months ago,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in law enforcement.

Williamson elaborated on the agenda: “It includes partner meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials (they invited the Director last July), meeting with Ambassador Fertitta (as a follow-up to our law enforcement roundtable he hosted in January), meetings with Legat staff, and more.”

He also highlighted the FBI's significant role in Olympic security, stating, “We have a U.S. consulate briefing on Olympic security and current FBI posture, as well as thanking FBI personnel on the ground.”

In a light-hearted moment, Williamson shared a message from Patel: “Please tell them yes, I am rooting for the greatest team on earth from the greatest country on earth.”

When approached for further comments, the FBI directed inquiries to Williamson’s statements on social media.

Patel has previously faced criticism regarding his use of government jets. Last year, Democratic leaders on the House Judiciary Committee expressed their concerns after reports surfaced about his use of government aircraft for personal trips, including a “date night” with country musician Alexis Wilkins.

In December, during an interview, Patel defended his travel practices. “It’s simple,” he asserted. “The FBI director — all FBI directors — are required users of the FBI plane. They don’t let me fly commercially. But my predecessors wasted millions of dollars because they were too lazy to drive an extra 20 minutes and go to Andrews Air Force Base.”

He continued, “They used D.C. Reagan National as a personal hub, costing the taxpayers $4 million. I shut that policy off and mandated the use of government airfields.”

Additionally, it was disclosed that Wilkins receives protection from a security detail due to credible threats related to her relationship with Patel. An FBI spokesperson stated, “Ms. Wilkins is receiving a protective detail because she has faced hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Director Patel, whom she has been dating for three years. Out of respect for her safety, we will not be providing additional details.”