Kash Patel appeared unfazed after being caught partying on taxpayers’ money in Italy.
The 45-year-old FBI director caused uproar on Sunday when he was photographed celebrating with Team USA after their overtime victory over Canada in the men’s hockey final. Video captured Patel guzzling beers and pumping his chest in celebration in the locker room — even as the FBI confirmed, “This was not a personal trip.”
FBI Director Kash Patel swigged beer at the Winter Olympics as investigators appeared to make zero progress in the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for more than three weeks. / Instagram
Just before 2 a.m. local time, Patel wrote on
Cash issued a statement
Last week, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson defended Patel after CBS News reported that he had used an FBI plane to fly to Italy for the Winter Olympics.
“No, this is not a personal trip,” Williamson said. “Director Patel is on a trip that was planned months ago. These include partner meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials (who invited the director last July), a meeting with Ambassador Fertitta (as a follow-up to the law enforcement roundtable he hosted in January), meetings with Legat staff, and more.”
According to MS NOW, eight former FBI and Justice Department officials sent the outlet copies of the video of Patel’s locker room party, noting that the video’s circulation among their circles “sparked outrage.”
The outlet also reported that some former FBI agents compared Patel’s use of FBI resources to that of William Sessions, the first fired FBI director in history, which included Patel’s use of a fleet of private jets to attend NHL games and visit his girlfriend.
During his confirmation hearing in January 2025, Patel made a point of emphasizing that the FBI’s resources were “funded by American taxpayer dollars” and would be used to solve crime problems.
“In the seven minutes that you and I have been talking, two people have died from fentanyl overdoses, one person has been shot, and three people have been raped,” he said.
“The resources of the FBI are going to be used on that mission, and that mission alone, because America deserves better justice and I’m going to give it to them.”
Patel also previously criticized his predecessor, Christopher A. Wray, for using the bureau’s private jet.
“I’m just saying Chris Ray doesn’t need a government-funded G5 jet to go on vacation. Maybe we’ll ground the plane. $15,000 per flight. Just a thought,” Patel said in 2023.
As video of his party went viral, Patel posted a message to X celebrating the win.
“Unity, sacrifice, attitude – what it takes to be the best in the world,” wrote Patel. “These guys 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 played. Congratulations kids.”
Kash shared photos from his trip on X. /Kash Patel/X
Patel, an avid hockey fan, previously posted on X in response to the news that the NHL would allow its players to compete in the Olympics in July.
“The NHL has agreed to let kids compete in the next Olympics this winter – for the first time in more than a decade… Team USA, we’ll see you there.”
Patel’s trip to Italy comes as the FBI continues its efforts to find the whereabouts of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. today After host Savannah Guthrie was kidnapped earlier this month. As the manhunt continued, Patel also spent Valentine’s Day weekend in New York City with his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, where the two attended Rep. Guy Reschenthaler’s wedding.
Meanwhile, Americans in the region were ordered to shelter in place due to security concerns after a military operation in Mexico resulted in the death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel, one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world.
“Due to ongoing, widespread security operations and associated road congestion and criminal activity in many parts of Mexico, U.S. citizens should shelter in place until further notice,” the U.S. State Department announced Sunday.
According to the New York Times, while watching a game from a box at Milan’s Santa Giulia ice hockey arena, Patel posted on X about an armed man who was shot and killed after entering Mar-a-Lago’s secure perimeter.
“The FBI is devoting all necessary resources to investigate this morning’s incident at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort where an armed individual was fatally shot after illegally entering the surrounding area,” Patel wrote. “We will continue to work closely with @SecretService and our state and federal partners and will provide the most up-to-date information possible.”
Patel watches before the men’s gold medal game between Canada and the United States on Day 16 of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics at Santa Giulia Arena in Milan, Italy on February 22, 2026. /Elsa/Getty Images
