Kash Patel defends use of FBI plane for personal reasons: 'I deserve a personal life'

FBI Director Kash Patel has defended himself against accusations that he used federal planes for personal outings with his girlfriend, asserting that his use of the aircraft actually reduced costs for taxpayers and emphasizing his right to a private life.

During an interview with Fox News host Laura Ingraham on Tuesday, Patel addressed a congressional inquiry into his use of the FBIs jet. Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee had previously released a letter demanding explanations after reports emerged that Patel had flown the plane for a date night with country singer Alexis Wilkins, as well as for a hunting trip in Texas and a golfing trip to Scotland.

Ingraham asked, Theyre claiming you commandeered the jet for personal joyrides. Is that true? Patel responded, Its straightforward. All FBI directors are required to use the FBI aircraft. Commercial flights arent permitted. My predecessors, however, wasted millions of dollars by using D.C. Reagan National instead of government airfields. I corrected that policy and directed the use of proper government airfields, saving taxpayer money.

Patel, a former public defender and Department of Justice prosecutor, noted that he has used the plane less than his last two predecessors and emphasized, I am entitled to a personal life just like other agency leaders with their partners. I do support my girlfriend, and yes, I do take trips with her.

Ingraham also raised a recent report from The New York Post that included negative assessments of Patel from about two dozen current or former FBI employees. The 115-page document, prepared for Congress, depicted the FBI under Patel as rudderless and in disarray. One source, identifying as a Trump supporter, claimed Patel lacks the requisite experience and is not very effective.

Patel dismissed the criticisms, stating, Anonymous sources often mislead, but results dont lie. He described the FBI under his leadership as the most successful in history.

Throughout his tenure, Patel has faced multiple controversies, including the handling of the investigation into Charlie Kirks assassination, dismissal of numerous subordinates, and assigning a government security detail to Wilkins. Despite the criticism, Patel has rejected negative press reports, labeling a Wall Street Journal article as hot garbage.

A spokesperson for former President Trump told The Independent that Patel is performing an excellent job, and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied reports that Trump was considering firing him, describing the story as completely made up and noting that the President laughed at the headline.

Image: Patel pictured with his girlfriend, country music singer Alexis Wilkins (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Author: Sophia Brooks