By Trendsetter Tribune 
MILAN, ITALY — FBI Director Kash Patel has arrived in Italy aboard a government-funded Gulfstream jet, sparking a fresh round of scrutiny from congressional critics. Sources confirm that Patel, an avid hockey fan and player, traveled to Milan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, with plans to watch the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team compete in the upcoming medal rounds.
The trip comes as the 2026 Winter Olympics approach their final weekend, with the U.S. men set to face Slovakia in the semifinals today, Friday, February 20.
The “Hockey Diplomacy” Defense
FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson took to social media late Thursday to push back against reports that the trip was a personal junket, insisting it was “planned months ago” and includes several official meetings:
- Law Enforcement Partnering: Meetings with Italian security officials who reportedly invited Patel to visit last July.
- Security Briefings: A consulate briefing on Olympic security posture, as the FBI plays a major role in securing international events like the World Cup and Olympics.
- Ambassador Meeting: A follow-up session with Ambassador Tilman Fertitta regarding a law enforcement roundtable held in January.
Despite these official justifications, Patel’s well-known passion for the sport has fueled skepticism. He recently took to X (formerly Twitter) to cheer on Team USA, adding a personal message to CBS News via his spokesperson: “Please tell them yes, I am rooting for the greatest team on earth from the greatest country on earth. Go Team USA.”
Cost to Taxpayers
Government estimates place the cost of operating the FBI’s Gulfstream jet at approximately $5,000 per flight hour. The round-trip mission to Milan is projected to cost taxpayers as much as $75,000.
While FBI directors are required to use government aircraft for all travel to ensure secure communications, federal rules dictate that the director must reimburse the government for any personal portions of the trip at the rate of a commercial airline ticket.
Pattern of Jet Use Scrutiny
Patel, who was a vocal critic of his predecessor Christopher Wray’s use of the bureau’s aircraft, now finds himself facing similar investigations from Congressional Democrats.
| Date | Location | Purpose |
| April 2025 | New York City | Attended a charity hockey event and watched Alex Ovechkin break the NHL scoring record. |
| Fall 2025 | Tennessee | Alleged “date night” excursion currently under House probe. |
| Feb 2026 | Milan, Italy | Winter Olympics: Semifinals vs. Slovakia and potential Gold Medal game. |
U.S. Men’s Hockey Schedule (Milan Time)
- Friday, Feb 20: Semifinal vs. Slovakia (9:10 PM)
- Saturday, Feb 21: Bronze Medal Game (8:10 PM — if necessary)
- Sunday, Feb 22: Gold Medal Game (2:10 PM — if necessary)