‘Disgustingly Baseless’: Kash Patel Denies Using FBI Jet For Personal Trip With Girlfriend

Last Updated:November 03, 2025, 06:53 IST

Kash Patel denounced the reports of using FBI jet for personal use as a politically motivated attacks aimed at undermining his credibility and personal life.

FBI Director Kash Patel

FBI Director Kash Patel has dismissed as “disgustingly baseless" reports that he used a government aircraft for personal reasons, after claims surfaced that he flew on a USD 60 million FBI jet to attend his girlfriend’s music performance in Pennsylvania. 

The controversy began when former FBI agent and conservative commentator Kyle Seraphin alleged that Patel used the Bureau’s plane to watch country singer Alexis Wilkins perform at a wrestling event at Penn State University on October 25.

Seraphin’s remarks, made on his podcast, accused Patel of misusing taxpayer resources during a government shutdown. “They’re not paying agency employees, and this guy is jetting off to hang out with his girlfriend on our dime?" Seraphin said, triggering an online backlash.

What FBI said?

In response, the FBI issued a statement clarifying that the director is required to travel on Bureau aircraft for security reasons, including for personal trips, and that Patel reimburses the government in advance for any non-official use. Officials stressed that Patel’s use of the aircraft remains limited and in line with official travel policy.

Kash Patel slams ‘political smear campaign’

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Patel directly addressed the allegations, denouncing the reports as politically motivated attacks aimed at undermining his credibility and personal life. “We will not be distracted by baseless rumours or noise from uninformed internet anarchists and fake news," he said.

Patel defended both his integrity and his girlfriend, calling the criticism of Wilkins “a total disgrace." He added, “The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis – a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner – are beyond pathetic."

He further rebuked allies who, he said, failed to defend him. “To our supposed allies staying silent – your silence is louder than the clickbait haters," he remarked, before affirming his commitment to reforming the FBI. “My love of family will always be my cornerstone, and you will never tear that down."

I am proud of the work of this FBI. We’re taking violent criminals off the streets in record numbers, crushing the fentanyl crisis, dismantling cartels, saving children, hunting down terrorists — and so much more.Let me be clear: we will not be distracted by baseless rumors or…— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) November 2, 2025

As per reports, Patel was angered by the leak of his flight details, which allegedly led to the resignation of Steven Palmer, a 27-year FBI veteran who oversaw the Bureau’s aviation division.

Wilkins, who has faced conspiracy theories in the past linking her to Israeli intelligence, has filed a USD 5 million defamation suit against Seraphin. Meanwhile, FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson dismissed the renewed controversy, describing the media coverage as “disingenuous and dumb," and reiterating that Patel’s travel “fully complies with agency policy."

Shuddhanta Patra

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...Read More

Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior Sub‑Editor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influenced public...

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News world ‘Disgustingly Baseless’: Kash Patel Denies Using FBI Jet For Personal Trip With Girlfriend

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