Additional Coverage:
- Kash Patel and Kristi Noem take a joyride in life-size pink Lego Cadillac as backlash mounts (irishstar.com)
FBI Director’s Pink Cadillac Moment Sparks Questions Over Travel Spending
Las Vegas, NV – FBI Director Kash Patel found himself in the driver’s seat of a life-sized pink Lego Cadillac last Saturday, an unusual prelude to the Las Vegas Grand Prix that has intensified scrutiny over his use of taxpayer dollars for personal travel.
Patel, a Trump administration appointee, appeared on the red carpet alongside Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali, posing in the eye-catching Lego vehicle. The photo opportunity quickly drew criticism from those questioning the allocation of government resources, particularly in light of previous reports concerning Patel’s travel habits. While details surrounding his and Noem’s travel to the Las Vegas event remain unclear, Patel does maintain a residence in the city.
This latest public appearance follows revelations by The New York Times that Patel has utilized government aircraft for personal excursions, including golf trips and a journey to an exclusive Scottish resort with companions. Furthermore, it was reported that an FBI SWAT unit was deployed to provide security for his partner, country music performer Alexis Wilkins.
Conservative voices have joined the chorus of concern regarding Wilkins’ use of government assets, specifically the assignment of specialized agents for her protection. “Is she considered Kash’s spouse?”
questioned Grace Chong, an influencer associated with Stephen Bannon, on X. “Is that why she’s getting protection because if not then why are we paying for this?”
The image of Patel and Noem in the Lego car also prompted public outcry. One commenter inquired, “How does this serve America?”
while another added, “They are the biggest fans of private jet use.” A third user quipped, “Priorities.
How about they LEGO of their government jobs and return to private life?”
While Patel has his own security team, which would typically protect Wilkins when they travel together, officials speaking anonymously to The New York Times indicated that providing the singer with her own SWAT personnel is highly uncommon. These sources suggested that deploying SWAT teams for VIP protection is a questionable choice, as the highly trained operatives lack extensive experience in that specific field. They also noted that advance planning is crucial for VIP security, and Patel’s deployment of agents sometimes appeared more spontaneous.
Former senior FBI agent Christopher O’Leary echoed these concerns, telling MS NOW, “There is no legitimate justification for this. This is a clear abuse of position and misuse of government resources.” O’Leary further emphasized, “She is not his spouse, does not live in the same house or even the same city.”
Patel’s tenure has been marked by several controversies, including a previously reported “date night” trip to Pennsylvania to watch Wilkins perform the national anthem, for which he used the FBI’s $60 million federal aircraft. While FBI directors are required to use government aircraft for travel, they are obligated to reimburse the federal government for personal expenses.
It remains uncertain whether Patel’s trip to Las Vegas was for personal or professional reasons.