Newsom Blasts FBI Director Patel Over Alleged Taxpayer-Funded Jet Dates
California Gov. Gavin Newsom publicly blasted FBI Director Kash Patel this week, accusing him of misusing government resources after reports on Patel’s personal travel, including flights to see his girlfriend. Newsom’s criticism highlights growing tension over how top federal officials use taxpayer-funded assets.
On Wednesday, Newsom’s official X account shared a video clip and message accusing Patel of “waste, fraud, abuse” for what the governor described as personal use of an FBI-owned jet to attend concerts and other events with his partner. The post emphasized that taxpayer funds were being diverted for non-official purposes.
Reports from multiple outlets have detailed Patel’s use of the FBI’s aircraft for trips beyond official duties, including flights to Nashville to see country singer Alexis Wilkins, whom he is dating, perform. A spokesperson for Newsom’s office underscored that such use raised ethical and financial questions for taxpayers.
Patel has publicly defended his travel decisions, saying on a podcast that as FBI director he is “required” to use government planes for all travel, official and personal, and that he does not believe he is “abusing” that requirement. He noted that if he truly abused the privilege, he would attend more of his partner’s shows.
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Still, critics point to multiple trips and concerns that frequent flights could burden taxpayers and set poor examples for public service accountability. These objections have drawn attention from lawmakers and media commentators.
At a time of heightened scrutiny over fiscal responsibility, high-profile travel by federal officials remains politically sensitive, particularly as political rivals amplify perceptions of misuse.
It remains unclear whether federal oversight bodies or lawmakers will launch formal inquiries into Patel’s travel policies and reimbursements. Continued debate is expected.
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