“Frat Bro” Or “Patriot”? Kash Patel Faces Backlash Over Olympic Celebration

MILAN / WASHINGTON — FBI Director Kash Patel is doubling down on his decision to celebrate with Team USA in Italy, even as he faces accusations of misplaced priorities. The controversy erupted as three major security situations dominated the headlines back home:

1. Mar-a-Lago Security Breach: Early Sunday morning, a 21-year-old armed man, Austin Tucker Martin, was shot and killed after breaching the perimeter of President Trump’s Florida residence.
2. The Nancy Guthrie Case: The high-profile search for Nancy Guthrie (84), mother of TODAY show anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains active. Bloodstains and ransom notes were found at her Tucson home following her disappearance on Jan 31.
3. Mexico Unrest: The killing of cartel leader “El Mencho” has sparked “narco-blockades” across Mexico, prompting the U.S. Embassy to issue emergency shelter-in-place orders for Americans.

The “Caught in a Lie” Allegation

The backlash was intensified by an earlier denial from FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson.

• The Denial: Williamson had slammed “false” reports that Patel was at the Olympics for leisure, claiming his trip was strictly for high-level meetings with Italian law enforcement and ambassadors.
• The Reality: The viral locker room footage showed a jubilant Patel in a Team USA jersey, leading critics like CNN’s Xochitl Hinojosa to question his professional conduct. “Our FBI Director thinks he’s a frat bro?!” she posted on X.
• The Cost: Estimates suggest the use of the government jet for the Italy trip cost taxpayers approximately $75,000.

Patel’s Response: “I Love America”

Patel took to X to defend himself, framing the moment as a display of national pride rather than a lapse in duty.

“For the very concerned media — yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends… invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys.”

He insisted that his presence at the Olympics was part of a pre-planned security mission and that he remains fully briefed on the Mar-a-Lago and Guthrie investigations.

Fact-Check: Ongoing Crises During the Italy Trip