'Sham accusations': Kash Patel’s girlfriend Alexis Wilkins hits back over FBI anthem slot claims
WASHINGTON, DC: Country music artist Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, performed the US national anthem at the opening of the Great American State Fair in Washington on Wednesday night. Her appearance kicked off the musical lineup at the National Mall event.
The performance also sparked online discussion after Wilkins responded to criticism over claims about how she secured the slot, pushing back against suggestions linking it to her relationship with the FBI director.
Alexis Wilkins opens Great American State Fair with national anthem performance
Country music artist Alexis Wilkins, girlfriend of Kash Patel, took the stage at the Great American State Fair in Washington, DC, to perform the US national anthem on Wednesday night, opening the event’s musical program.
Wilkins’ performance marked the start of a night of scheduled musical and ceremonial acts at the National Mall gathering.
Let's just get a few things straight, because this is long overdue.
— Alexis Wilkins (@AlexisWilkins) June 23, 2026
1. I have been a country music artist for years now. I have had a successful career in both music and commentary/strategy. People don't get to negate that for clicks or headlines. I was invited to sing this… pic.twitter.com/ubinSNZYHD
Alexis Wilkins hits back at claims over anthem performance invitation
Ahead of her appearance, Wilkins responded to criticism circulating online over how she was chosen to perform at the event.
"Sham accusations," she wrote, rejecting claims that her performance was tied to Kash Patel’s FBI role.
"Invited on my own accord," Wilkins said, adding that she had built her career as a country music artist and commentator before her relationship with Patel.
She also stated she did not accept payment for the performance and said she would not engage with narratives questioning her professional background.
Marine Band and opera performances follow anthem
The program continued after Wilkins’ performance with additional musical segments featuring the United States Marine Band.
Master Gunnery Sgt. Kevin Bennear and opera singer Christopher Macchio performed "Hallelujah," followed by a rendition of "Ave Maria," as part of the evening lineup.
The event also included multiple military flyovers staged between performances.
WATCH: A Powerful Rendition of Hallelujah Performed by Christopher Maccio and Master Gunnery Sgt Kevin Bennear with a B-2 Bomber Fly-over - 06/24/26 pic.twitter.com/5PWjaR8WbL
— Sergeant News Network (@sgtnewsnetwork) June 25, 2026
Donald Trump addresses crowd at National Mall event
President Donald Trump spoke at the opening of the Great American State Fair at the National Mall, using his remarks to frame the event as a national celebration.
“Tonight, as we stand at the edge of our 250th year, I am thrilled to declare that America is back,” Trump said. “As you know very well, a short time ago we were a dead country. We were dead. Now we’re the hottest country anywhere in the world. We’re respected by everybody. Nobody’s laughing at us anymore.”
Planning for the program had drawn attention in recent weeks after several artists reportedly withdrew ahead of the event, citing concerns about its political nature.
