FBI Director Joins US Men's Hockey Team Celebration After Olympic Gold Medal Win

Kash Patel's appearance at the locker room party raises questions about his use of government resources for personal travel.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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FBI Director Kash Patel joined the American men's hockey team in their locker room celebration after the team won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan. Videos showed Patel drinking beer, spraying it around, and even having a gold medal draped around his neck by one of the players. This appearance has raised fresh scrutiny over Patel's personal use of government resources, including his frequent travels on an FBI Gulfstream G550 jet.

Why it matters

Patel, who had previously criticized his predecessor Chris Wray for using the FBI plane for personal travel, has faced ongoing questions about his own use of government resources. This latest incident at the Olympics celebration has further fueled concerns about Patel's judgment and transparency around his travels.

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 locker room celebration showed a more personal side to his visit. Critics have accused Patel of using taxpayer funds to finance a "vacation" under the guise of official business. Patel has defended his travels, saying he complies with all policies and only takes personal time occasionally.

  • Patel posted photos of his meetings with U.S. and Italian officials in Milan on Sunday, the same day the FBI was investigating an armed intruder at Mar-a-Lago and the potential of a Trump administration attack on Iran.
  • In October 2025, it emerged that Patel had traveled to State College, Pennsylvania, to attend a pro wrestling event where his girlfriend performed the national anthem.

The players

Kash Patel

The current director of the FBI, who has faced ongoing scrutiny over his personal use of government resources, including frequent travels on an FBI jet.

Chris Wray

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

Rep. Jason Crow

A Democratic congressman from Colorado who criticized Patel's appearance at the Olympics celebration as an example of "grift & corruption" funded by taxpayer dollars.

Alexis Wilkins

Patel's longtime girlfriend, a country singer who performed the national anthem at a pro wrestling event Patel attended in Pennsylvania.

Steven Cheung

The White House communications director, who defended Patel's appearance at the Olympics celebration as part of his official duties.

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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 Congressman 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 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.”

— 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.