Kash Patel Olympics Controversy: FBI Director's Milan Trip Ignites Firestorm
FBI Director Kash Patel is at the center of a sharp national debate after viral videos captured him chugging beer and celebrating in the locker room with the U.S. men's hockey team following their historic gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy — while the FBI was simultaneously managing multiple high-stakes crises back home.
Kash Patel at the 2026 Olympics: What Happened
Patel joined the rowdy celebrations following the historic 2-1 victory over Canada at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. It was the first time in 46 years — since the 1980 Miracle on Ice — that the U.S. men's team took home the gold.
Videos show Patel chugging a beer bottle before throwing his hands in the air and pounding a table. A separate clip depicts him sipping a beer as President Trump, heard on a phone held by the director, suggested Patel could help fly the team to Washington for the State of the Union address. "I got it, boss, I got it," Patel replied.
A gold medal was placed around Patel's neck by someone in the room. He then joined the team in jumping up and down and singing the lyrics to "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue" by the late Toby Keith.
The Government Jet Controversy
Public flight data reviewed by CBS News showed Patel flew on a government plane Thursday, February 19, departing from Manassas, Virginia, with a brief stop at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before heading to an Air Force base in Italy.
The aircraft at the center of the controversy is the FBI's Gulfstream G550, valued at approximately $60 million. The estimated taxpayer cost of the Milan trip reached approximately $75,000.
| Detail | Facts |
|---|---|
| Departure | Feb. 19, 2026 — Manassas, VA via Joint Base Andrews |
| Aircraft | FBI Gulfstream G550 (~$60M jet) |
| Estimated trip cost | ~$75,000 to taxpayers |
| Official FBI justification | Olympic security meetings, law enforcement partner visits |
The FBI's Defense
FBI spokesman Ben Williamson said the trip was not personal in nature, had been planned months ago, included meetings with a cross-section of officials, and was consistent with the FBI's major role in Olympics security. Patel posted pictures of his visit to the Milan Joint Operations Center, which he said was charged with protecting the security of American athletes and the approximately 250,000 U.S. citizens who traveled to Milan for the Games.
FBI directors are required to use government aircraft for all air travel — whether official or personal — to ensure access to secure communications. However, critics note the cost of operating the FBI aircraft far exceeds the commercial airline ticket reimbursement Patel provides.
The Hypocrisy Angle
In 2023, during an episode of his podcast "Kash's Corner," Patel called on Congress to "ground Chris Wray's private jet that he pays for with taxpayer dollars to hop around the country." Former Director Wray pointed out at the time that he was a required-use traveler who reimbursed the government for all personal travel — precisely the same justification Patel's office now offers.
What Kash Patel Was Missing Back Home
Patel was in Italy as the FBI was investigating the intrusion at Mar-a-Lago, where the Secret Service shot an armed man who had breached the resort's secure perimeter. The FBI was also continuing its multi-week search for Nancy Guthrie — the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — who had been kidnapped from her Arizona home. An eruption of violence in Mexico following the military killing of a top cartel boss added to the list of active crises.
Political Reaction
Democratic Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado called the trip "the grift and corruption is unreal," saying taxpayer dollars were funding the FBI Director's Italian vacation. Rep. Sean Casten of Illinois referenced the Epstein files investigation, questioning why Patel was celebrating in Milan while major cases sat open.
Conservatives jumped to Patel's defense. Fox News host Will Cain posted that "no matter what the Left is trying to turn this into, every proud American is smiling through every second of this video."
Patel's own statement 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 Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys. Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth."
