FBI Director Patel Faces Scrutiny Over Italy Trip Amidst Security Concerns
FBI Director Kash Patel is defending his recent trip to Italy, a journey that coincided with a series of significant security events and has drawn criticism regarding the use of government resources. The trip, which included attendance at the Olympic hockey medal rounds in Milan, occurred as the FBI was responding to a fatal shooting at Mar-a-Lago and monitoring potential national security threats involving Iran and Mexico.
Patel’s travel arrangements have been under scrutiny before, with previous reports detailing his use of a Justice Department jet. Public flight data confirmed he flew to Italy on Thursday, February 20, 2026, arriving in Milan after a stop at Joint Base Andrews. He had previously sent posts on social media expressing support for the American hockey teams.
The timing of the trip has raised eyebrows, particularly given the unfolding events demanding the FBI’s attention. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, Secret Service agents fatally shot a 21-year-old man attempting to breach Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence, prompting a full FBI investigation. Patel publicly stated the FBI was “dedicating all necessary resources” to the investigation just moments before appearing in videos celebrating with the U.S. Men’s hockey team.
Simultaneously, the U.S. Was monitoring potential strikes by Iran and responding to a Mexican military raid that resulted in the death of a drug kingpin, leading the State Department to issue a “shelter in place” alert for U.S. Citizens in parts of Mexico. Amidst these pressing matters, Patel also took time to attend the USA vs. Canada hockey game in Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
Videos circulating online show Patel celebrating with the victorious U.S. Men’s hockey team in the locker room, appearing to drink beer, wear a gold medal, and dance with the players. Footage also shows him chugging a bottle of beer and receiving a gold medal from a player during an Instagram Live broadcast by team member Dylan Larkin.
Responding to the criticism, Patel defended his presence at the Olympic event, stating on X, formerly known as Twitter, “For the very concerned media – yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys. Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”
An FBI spokesperson, Ben Williamson, initially defended the trip as planned months in advance, encompassing meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials, a meeting with Ambassador Fertitta, and visits with Legat staff. Williamson added Patel’s comment, “Please tell them yes, I am rooting for the greatest team on earth from the greatest country on earth. Go Team USA.”
This represents not the first instance of Patel’s travel coming under scrutiny. He was previously accused of using federal government resources for “extravagant” trips with his girlfriend, reportedly earning him the nickname “Make-a-Wish Director” behind closed doors. The current trip has reignited concerns about his leadership and the use of FBI resources, particularly given perceptions that he is unqualified for the job and unserious in his management of the agency.
Patel highlighted his meetings with Italian officials during his trip, announcing a new security agreement to enhance international cybersecurity cooperation. However, the celebratory images and videos have overshadowed these official engagements, fueling the debate over his priorities and judgment.
