FBI Director Kash Patel flew today on the FBI’s Gulfstream jet bound for a trip to the winter Olympics in Italy to watch one of his favorite sports: men’s ice hockey, according to three people familiar with his plans.
Patel, an avid hockey player and fan, will be at the Olympic festivities and plans to attend the bronze medal competition in men’s ice hockey on Saturday and the competition for the gold medal on Sunday, the people said.
An FBI official confirmed Patel’s travel plans, but said he has several official government purposes for attending, including a meeting with an ambassador, briefings on Olympics security and other government meetings.
Patel’s travel to Italy was reported Thursday afternoon by CBS.
Government accounts estimate it costs U.S. taxpayers at least $5,000 per flight hour for the FBI Gulfstream to fly, meaning Patel’s trip to Milan is likely to cost as much as $75,000.
FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson tweeted late Thursday that Patel’s trip was not personal and he was invited months ago.
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Carol Leonnig
Carol Leonnig is a senior investigative reporter with MS NOW.
Ken Dilanian
Ken Dilanian is the justice and intelligence correspondent for MS NOW.
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