FBI director Kash Patel is drawing criticism from throughout the ideological spectrum for his behavior of flying SWAT groups round America to guard himself and his girlfriend, aspiring nation singer Alexis Wilkins.
Considerations raised by DC ethics watchdogs, reporters, and conservative podcasters embrace the fee to taxpayers of the personal flights; abuses of energy starting from the small (ought to girlfriends get spousal advantages?), to the big (does the FBI director even have the authority to rent out jets for personal journeys?); in addition to the effectiveness of counting on adrenaline-junkie SWAT groups for jobs that demand endurance, mixing in, and different expertise which are just about the other of their coaching.
That final level seems to be a related one. Because the New York Instances reviews, the problem grew after Wilkins carried out “The Star-Spangled Banner” on the Nationwide Rifle Affiliation’s annual Atlanta convention within the spring. The assembled SWAT workforce had flown in on little discover and got even fewer instructions. They left the occasion early, and it type of looks as if they had been simply bored. This led Patel to a meltdown, reportedly about security, communication, and have you ever guys even protected somebody earlier than? (Principally, it appears, they hadn’t.)
Associated Video
Patel, 45, and Wilkins, 27, have been relationship for 3 years. Earlier than he turned the top of the FBI, Patel raised his profile by criticizing the jet utilization of former director Christopher Wray. “Perhaps we floor that airplane,” Patel as soon as mentioned. “Fifteen thousand {dollars} each time it takes off. Only a thought.”
As a singer, Wilkins is finest recognized for pandering nostalgia like “Outdated Original Christmas” and “Nation Again,” and as of late, you’ll find her singing the nationwide anthem for sporting occasions that may not really be sports activities (although Freestyle Wrestling, based by Hulk Hogan, sounds fairly cool).
Thus far this yr Patel has used FBI sources for 12 private journeys, together with to an aptly named personal looking membership, the Boondoggle Ranch. That’s extra personal journeys than Robert Mueller (10) put collectively in any 4 years on the job.
