UPDATE: In a dramatic turn of events, FBI Director Kash Patel has fired Steven Palmer, head of the bureau’s aviation unit, following backlash over Patel’s use of a government jet to attend a wrestling event in Pennsylvania where his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, performed the national anthem. This controversial trip comes as the government remains in shutdown, amplifying public scrutiny of Patel’s actions.
The dismissal of Palmer, a veteran of 27 years at the FBI, was confirmed after flight logs surfaced on social media, revealing that Patel had flown to the Real American Freestyle wrestling event. In a statement on his personal account on X, Patel expressed his frustration, calling critics “uninformed internet anarchists” and defending his personal choices. “Criticize me all you want, but attacking those around me is disgraceful,” he declared.
The timing of Patel’s trip has raised eyebrows, especially amid ongoing discussions about government spending during the shutdown. Critics, including former FBI agent John Nantz, have labeled the optics of the situation as poor, stating that Patel should have been “more circumspect” given the current struggles many Americans face.
Adding fuel to the fire, Kyle Seraphin, a controversial whistleblower turned right-wing commentator, has labeled Patel’s actions as “hypocritical.” He has been vocal on social media, intensifying backlash against Patel since the trip was revealed.
As FBI director, Patel is classified as a “required use traveler,” mandated by Congress to fly on planes equipped with Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) communications. While Patel reimburses the bureau for his flights at the cost of a commercial ticket, taxpayer money covers operational expenses like fuel and landing fees.
In an unexpected twist, Patel has also defended Wilkins, calling her “a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation.” This comes as Wilkins is embroiled in a legal battle, having filed a $5 million lawsuit against Seraphin after he accused her of being a “honeypot” and an Israeli spy seeking access to the Trump administration. Seraphin has also made derogatory comments about Patel, fueling the ongoing feud.
As the situation develops, all eyes are on the FBI. Patel’s actions have prompted an internal investigation into potential leaks related to the trip, illustrating the high-stakes environment within the bureau. Patel’s leadership is under scrutiny as he navigates these controversies amid a government shutdown that has left many citizens concerned about essential services.
The national discourse surrounding Patel’s jet use and the subsequent firing of Palmer is likely to continue as more details emerge. Observers are eager to see how this drama unfolds and what implications it may have for the FBI’s reputation and operations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
