Kash Patel faces backlash after viral Olympics locker room party video with Team USA hockey. Photos: X.
Kash Patel is again facing criticism over his travel and use of official resources after videos surfaced showing him celebrating with gold medal-winning members of Team USA hockey at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina on Sunday.
The video widely shared online shows the FBI director chugging beer, banging on a table and partying with players in the locker room following their victory. At one point, forward Matthew Tkachuk draped his gold medal around Patel as the group sang “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by the late Toby Keith.
The celebrations occurred during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where Patel had been travelling in an official capacity.
Addressing questions about his presence in the locker room, Patel defended himself in a post on X.
“For the very concerned media, yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth,” he wrote.
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Kash Patel also shared photos of himself smiling alongside players just hours after his agency denied reports that his trip included personal activities funded by government resources.
The optics have drawn attention at a time when the FBI director’s leadership is already under scrutiny, with critics questioning his qualifications and management of agency resources.
Kash Patel had earlier been accused of using federal government resources for what critics described as “extravagant” trips with his girlfriend. According to reports, the allegations led to him being mockingly referred to as the “Make-a-Wish Director” in private conversations.
During his trip to Italy, Patel posted updates highlighting meetings with various officials, including Italian ministers. One post announced a new security agreement aimed at strengthening international cybersecurity cooperation.
What FBI Said About Kash Patel’s Beer Video
Questions about whether Kash Patel planned to attend Olympic events for personal reasons prompted a sharp response from the bureau.
In a statement quoted by various American media channels, FBI Assistant Director for Public Affairs Ben Williamson rejected the claims.
“Your rag outlet wrote that he went to hang out at the Olympics on the taxpayer dime, even when provided information that your theory was false”. “When you’re ready to correct that let me know. Won’t hold my breath.”
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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