UPDATE: FBI Director Kash Patel has just fired top aviation official Steven Palmer amid backlash over his controversial use of a government jet to attend a wrestling event in Pennsylvania. Flight logs revealed Patel used the taxpayer-funded plane to support his girlfriend, country music singer Alexis Wilkins, who performed the national anthem at the event, igniting fierce criticism as the government remains in shutdown.
On Saturday, Patel terminated Palmer, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, following public outcry over the trip. The move marks a significant shakeup within the bureau, as Palmer becomes the third head of the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) dismissed since Patel’s appointment in February 2023.
In a heated response on his personal X account, Patel condemned “uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news” for attacking his personal life and those around him. He shared images of Wilkins from the wrestling event, which sparked further outrage from critics, including right-wing commentator Kyle Seraphin, who labeled the actions as a “hypocritical” move at a time when many Americans are struggling.
Patel, 45, is classified as a “required use traveler” and is mandated by Congress to fly on planes equipped with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) communications. While he is required to reimburse the government for his travel at the cost of a commercial ticket, taxpayer money still covers operational expenses like fuel and landing fees. Last week, FBI spokesman Ben Williamson confirmed that Patel does reimburse the bureau in advance.
However, the timing of this trip has drawn ire, especially amidst a government shutdown. Critics argue that publicizing the trip sends poor “optics” to a nation facing economic hardships. Former FBI agent John Nantz commented, “I think he should have been a little more circumspect about making this such a public trip,” highlighting the disconnect between Patel’s actions and the current struggles of ordinary Americans.
The backlash intensified following claims from Seraphin that the FBI initiated an internal investigation to identify who leaked details about Patel’s trip. Seraphin, known for his critical stance on Patel, stated he primarily used publicly available information to discuss the issue.
In a spirited defense of his girlfriend, Patel labeled Wilkins a “rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation,” stating that attacking her is “cowardly and jeopardizes our safety.” Wilkins, who previously filed a $5 million lawsuit against Seraphin in August 2023 for defamatory comments, is also embroiled in controversy due to Seraphin’s allegations that she acted as a “honeypot” for political access.
As tensions rise, Patel’s leadership and personal choices are under the microscope, with many questioning his decisions during a time of national uncertainty. The fallout from this incident continues to unfold, and the implications for Patel’s reputation and the FBI’s image remain to be seen.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
