Given his position as FBI director, Patel is required to travel via private jet for security and communications reasons. But as videos of the men's team celebrating their victory began appearing online, many people noticed they featured an unexpected guest — FBI Director Kash Patel. Advertisement AdvertisementAdvertisement AdvertisementMS NOW estimated Patel's Milan trip cost "as much as $75,000," under the assumption that the jet cost taxpayers about $5,000 per flight hour to operate. "Shot/Chaser: Kash Patel Criticizes Government Funded Trips Then Charges Taxpayers ~$100,000 For Private Jet to Milan." FBI Director Kash Patel Takes Agency Jet to Italy, Plans to Attend Olympic Hockey Games, Sources Say - CBS News.

Source: New York Times February 25, 2026 23:52 UTC