BREAKING: FBI Director Kash Patel has fired Steven Palmer, head of the bureau’s aviation unit, following public backlash over Patel’s use of a government jet to attend a wrestling event in Pennsylvania. This decision comes as Patel faces intense scrutiny for prioritizing personal engagements during a government shutdown.
Flight logs revealed that Patel flew on a government plane to see his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, perform the national anthem at the Real American Freestyle wrestling event. The event took place while many Americans struggled amidst the ongoing government shutdown. This revelation has sparked outrage and led to Patel’s defensive stance on social media.
On Sunday, Patel took to X to express his frustration, calling critics “uninformed internet anarchists” and labeling the attacks on his personal life as “a total disgrace.” He stated, “I’ve always said — criticize me all you want. But going after the people doing great work, my personal life, or those around me is a total disgrace.”
Palmer, a 27-year veteran of the FBI, was dismissed after Patel’s controversial trip came to light. This marks the third head of the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG) to be removed since Patel assumed his role as FBI director in February 2023. Critics have labeled Patel’s decision to publicize the trip as poor optics, especially during a time of national hardship.
“I think he should have been a little more circumspect about making this such a public trip,” said former FBI agent John Nantz.
As FBI director, Patel is categorized as a “required use traveler,” mandated by Congress to fly on planes equipped for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) communications. Although Patel reimburses the government for flight costs equivalent to a commercial ticket, operational expenses, including fuel, are covered by taxpayer funds.
Former FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson confirmed last week that Patel reimburses the bureau in advance. However, social media backlash has intensified, fueled by controversial figures such as right-wing videocaster Kyle Seraphin, who has called Patel’s actions hypocritical and a “really awful look.”
Seraphin, known for his critical commentary on Patel, hinted that the FBI might be investigating leaks surrounding this incident, stating on his podcast, “From the outside in, it looks like Kash is simply failing to save his reputation.”
In a show of support, Patel defended Wilkins, whom he described as “a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation.” He remarked, “Attacking her isn’t just wrong — it’s cowardly and jeopardizes our safety.” Wilkins is currently embroiled in a legal battle against Seraphin, having filed a $5 million lawsuit after he accused her of being a “honeypot” and an Israeli spy.
The fallout from this incident continues to evolve, with Patel’s leadership under increased scrutiny. As backlash grows, the FBI faces public questions about its priorities and transparency in leadership. The agency’s next steps remain to be seen as this story develops.
