House Democrats question Kash Patel about the use of FBI jet for 'date night' flights

FBI Director Kash Patel is under scrutiny on Capitol Hill regarding his use of the bureau's Gulfstream aircraft. Leading Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee suggest some of these flights appear more like personal perks than official assignments.

Concerns Over Personal Trips

In a recently revealed letter, Ranking Member Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) stated that Patel used the FBI Gulfstream in October to travel to Pennsylvania to attend a Penn State wrestling event featuring his girlfriend. The following day, he reportedly flew her to Nashville using the same government plane. Lawmakers said this trip had "no clear connection" to his official duties and described it as a "date night" funded by taxpayers.

The letter also highlights another journey to Texas. Patel reportedly flew on the FBI jet to San Angelo to visit Boondoggle Ranch, a hunting property owned by GOP donor Bubba Saulsbury.

Requests for Flight Records

Raskin and Kamlager-Dove are requesting comprehensive travel logs, passenger manifests, and communications related to Patel's flights by December 15. As minority members, they lack the authority to issue subpoenas but aim to raise public attention on the matter. They emphasized, "These planes are not yours. They are U.S. Government property funded by American taxpayers."

The FBI has not yet publicly responded to this letter. Agency policy allows directors to use government aircraft for both official and personal travel to ensure secure communications and rapid emergency response. Family and friends can accompany them on personal trips, but non-official travel is expected to be reimbursed at the equivalent of coach airfare.

Past Travel Patterns

Previous reporting indicated that Patel has flown the FBI Gulfstream for several weekend trips to Las Vegas, where he owns a home, and to Nashville, where his girlfriend resides. The new letter does not accuse Patel of violating rules directly; instead, it questions whether regulations were followed and who bore the costs.

This attention places Patels travel routines and his interactions with wealthy political donors under closer examination.

Author: Sophia Brooks