FBI Director Kash Patel is facing serious allegations that he ordered an elite security team to provide personal chauffeur services for his girlfriend's friend after a night out.
Claims of Misused Security Detail
According to a report by MS Now, citing three anonymous sources, the 45-year-old head of the Federal Bureau of Investigation instructed agents assigned to protect his girlfriend, country music performer Alexis Wilkins, 27, to drive one of her friends home on multiple occasions. The incidents allegedly took place in Nashville, where Wilkins lives part-time for her work.
The sources claim the security detail, understood to be composed of members of an elite SWAT team based in Nashville, objected to diverting from their primary assignment. However, they were reportedly overruled. On one occasion, Patel is said to have called the team's commander directly, yelling at him to comply with the request.
This has sparked fresh scrutiny over Patel's use of government resources and funding. The FBI has never previously provided a separate security team for a director's girlfriend, though spouses of former directors have received periodic protection when travelling with their partners.
Firm Denials and Mounting Controversy
The FBI has vehemently disputed these claims. Spokesperson Ben Williamson stated the events were "made up and did not happen" and "1,000% false".
"I went and checked with everyone involved – Alexis (who doesn’t even drink), the director, the detail and more – all of whom said it didn’t happen," Williamson said. He challenged the reporting, asking for corroborating details like a date or the friend's name, which he claims were not provided.
Despite the denial, this is not the first time Patel's use of FBI assets has been questioned. Last month, it was revealed he sent two SWAT team members to defend Wilkins during a performance at a National Rifle Association (NRA) event. The New York Times reported Patel later "ripped into" the team commander when they left the event after assessing a low threat level.
Broader Pattern of Scrutiny
Patel, appointed by former US President Donald Trump, is also under investigation by Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee for his alleged unreasonably extensive use of a government jet.
In a letter, top Democrat Jamie Raskin accused Patel of using a $60 million government jet for an overnight date with his girlfriend, a Scottish golf trip, and a visit to a luxury hunting retreat. Patel defends this as necessary due to rules prohibiting him from flying commercially, though directors must reimburse costs for personal travel.
A separate leaked report alleges Patel refused to disembark a flight to Utah after a shooting until agents brought him a medium-sized raid jacket to wear for cameras. Patel rejected this as "100% false", stating an agent merely suggested he wear it for a visit to a command centre.
Appearing on Fox News, Patel defended his right to a personal life, saying, "Do I support my girlfriend? Absolutely. Do I take trips with her? Absolutely." He argued critics focus on these issues because "they know this FBI is succeeding in ways prior leadership failed."
