FBI Director Kash Patel has dismissed allegations that he misused a government jet to attend his girlfriend&rsquo;s event, calling the claims &ldquo;disgustingly baseless&rdquo; and politically motivated.
The controversy began after former FBI agent and conservative commentator Kyle Seraphin alleged on his podcast that Patel used a USD 60 million FBI aircraft to fly to Pennsylvania for country singer Alexis Wilkins&rsquo; performance at a wrestling event at Penn State University on October 25.
Amid growing online outrage, Seraphin accused Patel of misusing taxpayer funds during a time of government shutdown, saying, &ldquo;He&rsquo;s jetting off to hang out with his girlfriend on our dime.&rdquo;
In response, the FBI clarified that the director is required to travel on Bureau-operated aircraft for security purposes, even for personal trips, and that Patel reimburses the government for any non-official use. 
Officials reaffirmed that all travel complied with FBI policies and federal guidelines.
Patel, addressing the criticism on X, firmly rejected the allegations and defended both his professional integrity and his relationship. 
&ldquo;We will not be distracted by baseless rumors or the noise from uninformed internet anarchists and fake news,&rdquo; Patel wrote. 
&ldquo;Criticize me all you want, but going after my personal life or those around me is a total disgrace.&rdquo;
Expressing frustration at those in his own political circle who have stayed silent, Patel praised his partner, describing her as &ldquo;a true patriot and a country music sensation who has done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes.&rdquo;
He concluded his post with a defiant message: &ldquo;My love of family will always be my cornerstone, and you will never tear that down. I and this FBI will stay laser-focused on our mission, rebuilding this Bureau from the ground up.&rdquo;
Reports suggest Patel was angered by the leak of his flight details, which allegedly led to the resignation of Steven Palmer, a 27-year veteran who managed the FBI&rsquo;s aviation unit.
Alexis Wilkins has since filed a USD 5 million defamation lawsuit against Seraphin, while the FBI dismissed the controversy as exaggerated. 
Spokesman Ben Williamson stated, &ldquo;Patel&rsquo;s travel fully complies with agency policy,&rdquo; calling the ongoing media coverage &ldquo;disingenuous and dumb.&rdquo;

FBI chief Kash Patel denies misuse of jet, defends girlfriend amid backlash

Kash Patel Backs Girlfriend Amid Jet Controversy

FBI chief Kash Patel denies misuse of jet, defends girlfriend amid backlash

November 3, 2025 | 16:09 IST