Used FBI-owned jet to attend girlfriend's music concert; FBI director under fire

WASHINGTON: Indian-American Kash Patel, the Director of the FBI, has landed in controversy for allegedly using a government jet to attend his girlfriend’s music concert. The 45-year-old reportedly flew to Nashville for the event in an FBI-owned jet.

Former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin revealed the incident in a podcast, claiming that Patel used a $60 million (around Rs 532 crore) government aircraft to watch his girlfriend perform at Pennsylvania State University. Reports say the FBI jet took off on October 25 and landed about 40 minutes later at the State College Airport in Pennsylvania.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane was officially registered to the FBI’s national headquarters. However, it is still unclear whether Kash Patel himself was on board. On the same day, Patel shared photos on social media showing him attending the concert with his girlfriend.

According to FBI rules, the director is allowed to use official aircraft for security reasons, but if the trip is personal, the cost must be reimbursed at commercial rates. Patel has previously faced similar accusations of misusing government jets for private travel.

"Dear FBI Employees:

I'm sorry the government ISN'T funded, so you won't be getting a paycheck.

Luckily, that doesn't stop Real American Freestyle WRESTLING!

So I flew the FBI jet to State College PA, hung out with my chick, and then flew to Nashville where she lives." -Ka$h pic.twitter.com/tuOmWwO4Wk

— Kyle Seraphin (@KyleSeraphin) October 26, 2025