FILE – FBI director Kash Patel arrives before President Donald Trump speaks in the East Room of the White House, Jan. 15, 2026, in Washington.
Alex Brandon/AP
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Alex Brandon/AP
WASHINGTON — The American men’s hockey team celebrated their Winter Olympics gold medal win with a special guest, FBI Director Kash Patel, joining them in the locker room.
Supporters saw it as a patriotic gesture, while critics questioned Patel’s use of government resources, especially since he was already under scrutiny for personal travels aboard a government plane.
Despite claims that Patel’s trip to Milan during the Olympics was primarily for professional purposes, videos surfaced showing him celebrating with the team in a jovial manner.
The incident raised further questions about Patel’s personal travels, particularly his frequent use of the FBI plane for non-law enforcement purposes.
Despite criticism, Patel defended his actions, stating that he was invited by the gold medal-winning Team USA to celebrate the historic moment.
The White House expressed support for Patel, emphasizing his meetings with regional partners and security teams during his trip to Italy.
An ongoing source of criticism
Patel’s travels have drawn parallels to other Trump administration officials facing scrutiny over the use of government resources for personal reasons.
Despite the controversy, Patel continues to defend his actions, citing compliance with established rules and regulations.
The FBI and Justice Department have faced similar issues in the past, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding government officials’ use of resources for personal gain.
Patel remains steadfast in his defense, maintaining that he operates within the boundaries set by Congress, DOJ, and the FBI.
A raucous celebration
Despite the controversy surrounding his trip to Italy, Patel continued to fulfill his professional duties, including overseeing ongoing investigations back in the United States.
While the hockey game was ongoing, Patel reassured the public that the FBI was committed to allocating resources to critical investigations.
Photos and videos from the celebration circulated online, showcasing Patel’s involvement in the festive locker room atmosphere.
As the workweek resumed, Patel refocused on his responsibilities, sharing updates on crime statistics and other pertinent information.
