Democrats open inquiry into Patel’s use of FBI jet
Democrats open inquiry into Patel’s use of FBI jet
House Democrats opened an investigation Monday into FBI Director Kash Patel’s use of a government jet, accusing him of repeatedly taking the aircraft on personal trips during the government shutdown and demanding that he reimburse taxpayers and turn over detailed travel records.
In a letter to Patel, House Judiciary Committee ranking Reps. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) and Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-IL) said flight records and internal accounts show Patel frequently used the FBI’s Gulfstream G550 for nonofficial excursions. Their allegations also rely on social media posts and other news articles referenced in the letter.
The lawmakers say Patel used the FBI jet on Oct. 25 to fly to Pennsylvania for what they described as an overnight date, attending his girlfriend’s performance at a wrestling event at Penn State University before flying with her to Nashville the next day. They also pointed to a report from the Wall Street Journal that Patel traveled to Boondoggle Ranch, a luxury Texas hunting resort, on the same weekend.
The letter further states that Patel responded to public scrutiny by firing Special Agent Steven Palmer, a 27-year veteran of the bureau who was then leading the Critical Incident Response Group, the division responsible for overseeing aviation operations and crisis deployments. The lawmakers linked the firing to subsequent instability inside CIRG, which they noted occurred just days before bomb threats at Reagan National Airport forced flights to halt for more than an hour.
Raskin and Kamlager-Dove further alleged that Patel attempted to conceal his future travel plans by removing the FBI jet from public flight-tracking systems, and then continued to fly to Nashville for personal reasons. They also cited allegations that Patel used government aircraft for a private golf trip to Scotland with several friends.
The lawmakers are demanding that Patel produce records of all nonfederal passengers on FBI and Justice Department aircraft, reimbursements owed and paid, internal communications regarding travel, and justifications for each passenger.
They also want documents related to staffing decisions tied to aviation oversight and any discussions about acquiring new aircraft during the current administration. Their deadline for Patel’s response is Dec. 15.
Patel has denied abusing government aircraft, saying he is restricted from commercial travel and reimburses the government for any personal use.
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Democrats have limited tools to compel Patel to act as Republicans control the Judiciary Committee. As the minority party, they cannot issue subpoenas on their own, schedule oversight hearings, or force document production without the chairman’s approval.
The Washington Examiner reached out to the FBI for comment.
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