FBI Director Kash Patel has found himself at the center of a swirling controversy over his use of bureau resources, including SWAT teams and government aircraft, to provide security for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, and for personal travel. The latest episode in this ongoing saga unfolded in Las Vegas ahead of the Grand Prix, where Patel was photographed alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in a pink Cadillac made entirely of LEGO bricks, just before walking the red carpet with Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali, as reported by Reuters. But the glitzy photo op has only intensified the scrutiny over Patel’s stewardship of taxpayer-funded assets.
At the heart of the uproar is Patel’s deployment of elite FBI SWAT teams to protect Wilkins at public events, most notably during her performance of the national anthem at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta in spring 2025. According to The New York Times, two agents from the Atlanta field office’s specialized unit—typically trained for high-stakes operations like storming barricaded buildings and rescuing hostages—were assigned to Wilkins at Patel’s direction. However, after determining that the venue was secure and that Wilkins was not in immediate danger, the agents left before the event concluded. This decision did not sit well with Patel, who, according to six individuals familiar with the incident, sharply rebuked the SWAT team’s commander for leaving his girlfriend without “taxpayer-funded defenders” and for what he saw as inadequate communication up the chain of command while Wilkins mingled with attendees.
Patel’s rationale for the extraordinary security measures, as relayed by his spokesperson, is the volume of threats Wilkins has received as a high-profile conservative figure. "He was concerned that Ms. Wilkins, a high-profile conservative, might be attacked by people who had threatened her online," the spokesperson told The New York Times. Still, current and former FBI officials, as well as conservative commentators, have questioned whether such use of top tactical teams is warranted or appropriate. As Grace Chong, an influencer associated with Trump ally Steve Bannon, posted on X, "Is she considered Kash's spouse? Is that why she's getting protection because if not then why are we paying for this?"
The criticism has not been limited to social media. Former senior FBI agent Christopher O’Leary was blunt in his assessment, telling MS NOW, "There is no legitimate justification for this. This is a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources. She is not his spouse, does not live in the same house or even the same city." Other former agents have described Patel’s approach as reflecting poor judgment and a lack of leadership experience, with one calling a recent multi-stop flight that included seeing Wilkins at a wrestling event in Pennsylvania "pathetic."
Patel’s use of FBI resources for personal reasons extends beyond security details. Over the last nine months, he has repeatedly used the bureau’s $60 million government jet for travel that blurs the line between official and private business. Notable examples include a golf trip with friends to a private resort in Scotland, visits to see Wilkins in Nashville, and a controversial "date night" flight to Pennsylvania to watch Wilkins perform the national anthem. The director is required to use government aircraft for security reasons, but is supposed to reimburse the agency for any personal travel—a practice that remains under scrutiny. As The Independent noted, it is unclear whether Patel’s recent trip to the Las Vegas Grand Prix was for official or personal purposes.
Patel has not shied away from defending his actions. In a fiery social media post, he lashed out at critics, writing, "I’ve always said — criticize me all you want. But going after the people doing great work, my personal life, or those around me is a total disgrace. The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis — a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life — are beyond pathetic. She is a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation who has done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes. I’m so blessed she’s in my life. Attacking her isn’t just wrong — it’s cowardly and jeopardizes our safety. My love of family will always be my cornerstone, and you will never tear that down or keep me from them."
Yet the defense has done little to quell the bipartisan skepticism. Even some conservatives have voiced discomfort with the optics and substance of Patel’s resource allocations. Social media users mocked the spectacle of Patel and Noem in the Lego Cadillac, with one writing, "How does this serve America?" and another quipping, "They are the biggest fans of private jet use." The jokes continued, with one commenter suggesting, "How about they LEGO of their government jobs and return to private life?"
The controversy is further complicated by Patel’s previous criticism of former FBI Director Christopher Wray, whom he accused of excessive private jet use and even suggested should have the plane grounded. Now, as Bloomberg Law and The New York Times report, Patel’s own travel practices mirror those of his predecessors, and his office has attempted to limit disclosure of travel details. After the Pennsylvania trip drew attention, Patel reportedly forced out the senior FBI official overseeing aviation, though flight logs had already been made public.
This spending comes at a time when the FBI faces potential budget cuts—cuts that Patel himself has supported. Commentators have pointed out the irony, noting that lavish travel and security expenditures are occurring as the bureau prepares for possible belt-tightening. Patel’s spokesman maintains that his transportation spending is in line with that of past directors, including James Comey and Christopher Wray.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who appeared with Patel in Las Vegas, has also faced scrutiny for aviation spending. Her department’s recent purchase of two Gulfstream G700 luxury jets for top officials, at a cost of about $172 million, has prompted questions about necessity and funding. A DHS spokesperson defended the acquisition, stating that the previous jet was more than 20 years old and "well beyond operational usage hours for a corporate aircraft," and that the new jets were a "matter of safety."
Meanwhile, the use of SWAT teams for VIP protection remains controversial. Officials who spoke to The New York Times acknowledged that while Patel has his own security detail—which would protect Wilkins if they travel together—assigning SWAT agents to her alone is highly unusual. These elite agents are not extensively trained for VIP protection, and the most important aspect of such assignments is advanced planning, something Patel’s approach has sometimes lacked. Instead, his reliance on agents has appeared more last-minute, raising further concerns about the appropriateness and effectiveness of these measures.
As the debate rages on, it’s clear that Patel’s tenure as FBI director has been marked by a string of controversies over his use of government resources, the boundaries between public duty and private life, and the optics of leadership at the highest levels of American law enforcement. For now, the questions—and the criticism—show no sign of letting up.
