Republican Senator Grassley Probes FBI Director Patel’s Travel and Spending

Republican Senator Chuck Grassley is asking FBI Director Kash Patel to provide details about his travel and spending, including his use of FBI aircraft and the purchase of BMW vehicles.

Grassley, who chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, sent a letter asking Patel to provide a list of flights taken on FBI aircraft, the cost of each trip, and whether those flights were for official or personal purposes.

The senator also requested information about the cost of the BMW purchases compared with similar Chevrolet Suburban vehicles, including fuel and storage comparisons.

Patel has faced criticism over his use of FBI resources, including a trip to Milan following the Olympics gold-medal game where video of him in the Team USA men’s hockey locker room gained attention. The FBI said Patel was there in an official capacity and participated in multiple public and classified events related to Olympic security.

The FBI defended Patel’s travel expenses, saying his personal travel costs were lower than those of previous FBI directors.

Criticism has focused on Patel’s use of an FBI Gulfstream aircraft for travel. Patel previously criticized former FBI Director Christopher Wray’s use of government aircraft before becoming FBI director.

However, a post-9/11 policy requires the FBI director and attorney general to use government aircraft for all travel, including personal trips, to ensure secure communications are available during national security emergencies.

Grassley gave Patel until May 19 to respond to the request.

Grassley said his oversight work is focused on protecting taxpayer dollars from waste, fraud, and abuse.

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