FBI Director Kash Patel faces mounting criticism after videos surfaced showing him celebrating with the US men’s hockey team in their Milan locker room, drinking beer, and receiving a gold medal from players during what critics call a taxpayer-funded vacation.

Olympic Celebration Sparks Controversy

Following Team USA’s historic gold medal victory over Canada on February 22, Patel joined players in their locker room celebration, spraying beer and jumping with the team. Videos circulating online showed the FBI chief enthusiastically participating as one player placed his gold medal around Patel’s neck. The celebration marked America’s first Olympic hockey gold since the Miracle on Ice in 1980.

Democratic Representative Jason Crow of Colorado denounced the trip on social media, stating the corruption was unreal and criticized taxpayer dollars funding what he called the FBI Director’s Italian vacation. Patel defended himself, posting that he was humbled when his friends on Team USA invited him to celebrate this historic moment with the team.

Pattern of Questionable Travel

The Milan trip represents the latest controversy surrounding Patel’s use of the FBI’s government Gulfstream G550 jet for personal purposes. In October, Patel traveled to Pennsylvania for a professional wrestling event where his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, performed the national anthem. Social media photos showed the couple posing together with championship wrestling belts.

The current situation creates particular scrutiny, given Patel’s previous criticism of former FBI Director Christopher Wray. During the Biden administration, Patel repeatedly attacked Wray for using the FBI plane for personal travel, suggesting the jet should be grounded and noting its fifteen thousand dollar cost per takeoff.

White House Backs Director

The White House defended Patel through communications director Steven Cheung, who emphasized that Patel met with regional partners and security teams during his visit to Italy. An FBI spokesman had initially described the trip as primarily professional, citing Patel’s meetings with European security officials. However, the locker room celebration shifted public focus from official business to what appeared to be personal enjoyment of Olympic festivities at government expense.