FBI Director Patel Defends Presence in Olympics Locker Room

Patel says he was invited to celebrate with Team USA after gold medal win over Canada.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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FBI Director Kash Patel responded to criticism over his presence in the U.S. men's hockey team's locker room during their celebration of winning the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Patel, a hockey fan, said he was invited by the players to join in the celebration after the team's victory over Canada.

Why it matters

Patel's appearance in the locker room sparked backlash from some media outlets, raising questions about the propriety of a senior government official participating in a private team celebration. However, Patel defended his presence, stating he was honored to be invited by the players to share in their historic achievement.

The details

Patel was captured on camera in the Team USA locker room drinking a beer and banging on a table as the players sang 'Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue.' Forward Matthew Tkachuk even draped his gold medal around Patel. Patel, who also met with the Milan Joint Operations Center to discuss security for the Olympics, said he was humbled to be invited by the 'newly minted Gold Medal winners' to celebrate with them.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team defeated Canada 2-1 on Sunday to win the gold medal.
  • Patel was present in the locker room during the team's celebration.

The players

Kash Patel

The FBI Director, who is a hockey fan and plays the sport recreationally.

Matthew Tkachuk

A forward on the U.S. men's hockey team who draped his gold medal around Patel.

Jack Hughes

The forward whose sudden-death goal gave the U.S. its first gold medal in men's hockey since 1980.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Kash Patel, FBI Director (X)

What’s next

The FBI, in conjunction with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, continues to search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for over three weeks.

The takeaway

Patel's presence in the U.S. men's hockey team's locker room celebration highlights the close relationship between government officials and elite athletes, as well as the ongoing debate around the propriety of such interactions. While Patel defended his invitation, the incident raises questions about the boundaries between public service and private celebrations.