FBI Director Kash Patel is under intense scrutiny after a series of controversies surrounding his conduct and use of government resources. As criticism mounts, a report surfaced claiming that US President Donald Trump was considering firing him. However, the administration quickly rejected the rumour, calling it false.
White House Rejects Claims of Patel’s Dismissal
The White House dismissed a report by MS NOW that suggested President Trump was planning to replace Kash Patel with his co-Deputy Director Andrew Bailey. According to the report, the president and his senior aides were frustrated by the negative attention Patel had been receiving.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly denied the claims on X, saying, “This story is completely made up.”
This story is completely made up.
In fact, when this Fake News published, I was in the Oval Office, where President Trump was meeting with his law enforcement team, including FBI Director Kash Patel.
I read the headline to the President and he laughed. He said: “What? That’s… https://t.co/qbsy0nW2Bg pic.twitter.com/aNL5Qw9MA8
— Karoline Leavitt (@PressSec) November 25, 2025
Patel Faces Anger From Trump’s Own Base
Kash Patel has angered many Americans including Trump’s MAGA supporters who accuse him of misusing federal resources.
One of the biggest controversies erupted after reports revealed that Patel used a Swat team to provide security for his girlfriend Alexis Wilkins, an aspiring country singer. According to The New York Times, two Swat agents were stationed at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, where Wilkins performed.
While Patel has his own security detail that protects Wilkins when they travel together, current and former FBI officials called the deployment of Swat agents “highly unusual.”
Right-wing influencers also questioned the move. One asked on X, “Is she considered Kash’s spouse? Is that why she’s getting protection because if not then why are we paying for this?”
Patel was also spotted riding in a pink Lego Cadillac at the Las Vegas Grand Prix alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, prompting online backlash. Critics accused the officials of wasting government resources, with one saying, “How does this serve America?”
Controversy Over Use of Government Jets
Patel has previously drawn criticism for using a government jet for non-official trips, such as hockey games, visits to Las Vegas casinos, and travelling to see his girlfriend in Nashville.
MS NOW reported that Wilkins has repeatedly received FBI protection, including from elite agents usually assigned to Swat units. In August, Patel flew from Washington to Scotland on a government aircraft for a vacation with friends, including former Navy SEALs, according to NYT.
Former Marine Christopher O’Leary criticised Patel’s conduct, telling NYT, “His abusive and excessive use of the GV Jet for his personal adventures and the assignment of Swat-qualified special agents to guard his girlfriend are indicative of his lack of leadership experience, judgment and humility.”
Although FBI directors are required to use government jets for official travel, they must reimburse the government for personal trips.
Patel defended himself and Wilkins on X, saying she “had done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes.” He added:
“I’ve always said criticise me all you want. But going after the people doing great work, my personal life, or those around me is a total disgrace.”
He continued, calling Wilkins “a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation” and saying that attacks on her were “cowardly and jeopardises our safety.”
Previous Controversies Surrounding Kash Patel
Before Patel was confirmed as FBI Director earlier this year, he had already faced criticism. Media reports say he is not only pushing Trump’s political agenda but also trying to punish officials involved in earlier investigations into the former president.
During his confirmation hearings, Patel denied keeping a list of “deep state” enemies and dismissed his past comments referring to investigators as “criminal gangsters.”
Democrats strongly opposed his confirmation. Senator Dick Durbin warned that the Senate was “inviting a political disaster if we put Kash Patel into this job.”
Durbin later told the Justice Department’s watchdog that Patel was “personally directing the ongoing purge of career civil servants” at the FBI and accused him of lying under oath during his hearing.
Patel has also exempted Deputy Director Dan Bongino and two other senior officials from undergoing polygraph tests. At the same time, the FBI under Patel has been aggressively using polygraphs to root out suspected leakers—sometimes even when cases do not involve classified information.
Sources told NYT that senior officials were being tested “at a rapid rate,” and one was forced out in May partly because of a political action by his spouse.
Despite this turmoil, Patel has insisted the bureau remains stable, saying, “We’ve been able to retain significant levels of senior leadership both in Washington and throughout the country.”
Also Read: FBI Director Kash Patel Faces Criticism Over Alleged Use of SWAT Agents to Guard Girlfriend
