Patel hits back at ‘internet anarchists’ amid scrutiny of agency jet use

FBI Director Kash Patel hit back on Sunday against criticism of his use of an agency jet following reports he used it to go see his girlfriend, a country musician, perform in Pennsylvania.

Social media posts and news stories published last week noted flight tracking data showed a government jet registered to the FBI had flown to State College, Pa., where Patel’s girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, was singing at a wrestling event.

Patel issued a lengthy post on his personal account on the social platform X following reports that a senior FBI official was ousted amid the controversy. 

“Let me be clear: we will not be distracted by baseless rumors or the noise from uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news,” Patel posted, writing that he was “proud of the work of this FBI.”

“I’ve always said — criticize me all you want. But going after the people doing great work, my personal life, or those around me is a total disgrace,” Patel continued. “The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis — a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life — are beyond pathetic. She is a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation who has done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes. I’m so blessed she’s in my life.”

Patel said he and the FBI would remain “laser-focused on our mission.”

“And to our supposed allies staying silent — your silence is louder than the clickbait haters,” he added.

Patel’s critics, including ex-FBI agent Kyle Seraphin, drew attention to Patel’s apparent use of the government jet to see Wilkins perform. Some critics also resurfaced comments from 2023 in which Patel chastised then-FBI Director Christopher Wray’s use of a government jet.

Bloomberg Law reported that Steven Palmer, who oversaw the FBI’s aviation units and was a 27-year veteran of the bureau, was forced out Friday amid the controversy.

Patel is a staunch Trump ally who has faced criticism throughout his tenure as FBI director. Some on the right were critical of his handling of the search for the suspect who shot conservative activist Charlie Kirk, and he has taken heat for his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case amid calls for more transparency.