'Why aren't you in the Situation Room?' Kash Patel summoned to WH amid travel scrutiny

WASHINGTON, DC: Kash Patel reportedly canceled a planned weekend trip to Chicago after being summoned to the White House, where a report said frustration with the FBI director has been growing inside President Donald Trump's administration.

The reported last-minute meeting came as Patel faced renewed scrutiny over his travel practices. One source also questioned why he was away from Washington during an international crisis, putting fresh attention on his priorities.

Source questions Patel's Situation Room absence

According to an exclusive report from MS NOW, Friday, July 10, Patel had planned to fly aboard an FBI aircraft to Chicago, where his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, was scheduled to perform Saturday at the White City Smokeout music festival.

The outlet reported that he abruptly scrapped the trip Friday morning after being called to the White House.

The exact reason for the reported meeting remained unclear. However, MS NOW cited multiple sources who said senior administration officials have become increasingly frustrated with

Patel over several controversies, including scrutiny surrounding his government-funded travel.

One source involved in efforts to improve Patel's standing with the White House told the outlet, "With everything going on in the war, how are you not outside the Oval Office ready to go into the Situation Room?"

Another source familiar with the canceled travel said, "Patel was coming (to Chicago) today for a fake office visit for his girlfriend's country concert this weekend."

The same source added that Patel "cancelled the trip while on the tarmac at Andrews" and was "summoned to the White House immediately," describing what they called "apparent panic" that was "believed to be in response to his morning tweet today."

Patel's travel attracted congressional scrutiny

The outlet reported that Patel's Friday morning response to the outlet's reporting on his travel also drew attention. Reacting to the coverage, Patel posted, "my jet ski is gold plated…dumb***."

The report said Patel's travel has already attracted congressional scrutiny. According to the outlet, Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, questioned Patel in a May letter about his use of FBI aircraft and the purchase of armored BMWs for travel around Washington.

The outlet also reported that congressional Democrats raised separate concerns after receiving information alleging Patel requested special accommodations on official trips, including a jet ski excursion and a helicopter tour. The FBI has disputed those allegations and said Patel complied with federal travel rules.

The outlet further reported that “Patel's Chicago itinerary included a stop at the FBI's Chicago field office, though some current and former law enforcement officials questioned whether the visit had been added to justify the trip.”

White House backs Patel, calls him a critical player

White House spokesperson Steven Cheung did not directly address questions about the reported White House meeting or Patel's canceled travel plans.

Instead, Cheung told MS NOW, "Under President Trump and Director Patel's leadership at the FBI, crime across the country has plummeted to the lowest level in more than 100 years and many high-profile criminals have been put behind bars. Director Patel remains a critical player on the administration's law and order team."

An FBI spokesperson declined to comment, according to the report.