FBI Director Patel Joins U.S. Men's Hockey Team's Olympic Gold Celebration

Patel's appearance at the locker room festivities raises questions about his personal use of government resources.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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FBI Director Kash Patel joined the U.S. men's hockey team in their locker room celebration after winning the Olympic gold medal, sparking renewed scrutiny over his personal use of government resources and travel. Patel, who had previously criticized his predecessor for using an FBI plane for personal trips, was seen drinking beer, spraying it around, and even having a gold medal draped around his neck as he celebrated with the players. The episode deepened questions about Patel's travels, which have been an ongoing source of criticism due to their frequency and lack of clear law enforcement purpose.

Why it matters

Patel's appearance at the hockey celebration is the latest in a series of incidents that have raised concerns about his use of government resources and travel, with critics arguing that he has not upheld the same standards he previously set for his predecessor. The episode comes as the FBI is investigating high-profile incidents, including the breach at Mar-a-Lago, raising questions about Patel's priorities and the appropriate use of government assets.

The details

Patel had initially said his trip to Italy during the Olympics was for professional purposes, including meetings with European security officials. However, the celebration in the locker room took a more personal turn, with Patel seen drinking beer, spraying it around, and even having a gold medal placed around his neck as he jumped up and down with the players. This episode follows previous scrutiny over Patel's use of the FBI's Gulfstream G550 jet for personal trips, including one to a pro wrestling event where his girlfriend performed.

  • Patel traveled to Italy during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • On the day of the U.S. men's hockey team's gold medal win, the FBI was investigating the armed breach at Mar-a-Lago and the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in Arizona.

The players

Kash Patel

The current director of the FBI, who has faced scrutiny over his personal use of government resources and travel.

Chris Wray

Patel's predecessor as FBI director, whom Patel had criticized for his use of the FBI plane for personal travel.

Donald Trump

The former president, whose Mar-a-Lago resort was the site of an armed breach that the FBI was investigating on the day of the hockey celebration.

Alexis Wilkins

Patel's longtime girlfriend, a country singer who performed the national anthem at a pro wrestling event that Patel attended using the FBI jet.

Nancy Guthrie

A woman who was kidnapped from her Arizona home and was the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation on the day of the hockey celebration.

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What they’re saying

“The grift & corruption is unreal. Your taxpayer dollars funding the FBI Director's Italian vacation.”

— Rep. Jason Crow, Democratic Representative from Colorado (X)

“Kash was also in Italy meeting with regional partners and security teams. Don't be mad because America won.”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director (X)

“Yes, I love American 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.”

— Kash Patel (X)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.