Kash Patel faces backlash for assigning SWAT team for GF Alexis Wilkins’ security at NRA event
WASHINGTON, DC: FBI Director Kash Patel is facing mounting criticism over his use of SWAT team agents to provide security for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.
Many have called this a misuse of government resources and an abuse of his authority. The controversy also extends to his use of a government aircraft for personal travel connected to her.
Kash Patel’s SWAT protection for Alexis Wilkins
Patel assigned elite members of the FBI’s SWAT team, which typically respond to high-risk law enforcement operations, to protect his girlfriend, who is based in Nashville.
Critics argue that such an assignment is highly unusual as these SWAT agents, they say, should be available for emergencies, and diverting them could delay responses to crises.
Former FBI agent Christopher O’Leary called the use of SWAT agents for Wilkins “a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources,” especially because Wilkins is not Patel’s spouse and does not even live in the same city as him.
The New York Times earlreported that resources were diverted from the SWAT teams several times in recent months.
According to the outlet, assigning agents who are trained for specialized and high-risk operations in this manner is very uncommon, as noted by both current and former FBI officials.
Wilkins performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta earlier this year, and upon her arrival, she was escorted by a SWAT team from the FBI’s Atlanta field office.
The agents departed prior to the conclusion of the event once they confirmed the location was safe and that Wilkins faced no threat.
Their decision reportedly upset Patel, who criticized the team’s commander for leaving “taxpayer-funded defenders” unavailable and for failing to inform him of their movements while Wilkins remained on the convention floor.
Broader controversy involving Kash Patel
In response to the backlash, the FBI defended Patel’s decision, saying that Wilkins has received “hundreds of credible death threats” related to her relationship with Patel.
The bureau stated that, out of respect for her safety, they would not provide more details.
The SWAT-agent protection is just one part of a broader controversy surrounding Patel’s leadership.
Critics also point to his use of a $60 million government-owned jet for personal travel, including trips to see Wilkins perform and to attend her events.
Some former agents argue that these trips, combined with his assignment of elite tactical agents to protect his girlfriend, reflect poor judgment and a blurring of personal and official boundaries.
Patel, for his part, has defended Wilkins on social media, calling attacks on her “disgustingly baseless” and praising her as “a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life.”
He also said that he reimburses the government for his personal travel at commercial ticket rates.
