Kash Patel travels to Italy on FBI jet for meetings and Olympic events

Democratic lawmakers said they’re ‘demanding answers’ after Patel reportedly used government jets for ‘personal travel,’ including a ‘date night’ with his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins. Photo: Getty Images

FBI Director Kash Patel has flown to Italy aboard a government jet for a trip that includes official meetings and attendance at Olympic events, according to a report by CBS News.

Patel departed on Thursday and is expected to meet with Italian law enforcement and security officials, as well as attend a U.S. consulate briefing on Olympic security. Sources told CBS he also plans to watch the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team compete in Milan.

The FBI said the visit is official and had been planned months in advance. Ben Williamson, the bureau’s assistant director for public affairs, said the trip includes meetings with partners invited last year and discussions related to the FBI’s role in securing major international events such as the Olympics.

FBI directors are required to use government aircraft to ensure secure communications and rapid response capabilities. However, Patel has previously faced scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers over his use of official jets, including allegations of personal travel, which he has denied.

The FBI declined further comment, referring media inquiries to Williamson’s public statement.

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