FBI Denies That Kash Patel’s Olympics Trip Using Agency Jet Is For Personal Reasons

Forbes Business

by Antonio Pequeño IV, Forbes Staff

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The FBI has denied claims that Kash Patel’s trip to Italy on a Justice Department plane was for personal reasons. Patel, an official with the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), traveled on a government jet to attend Olympic hockey games in Milan. The agency clarified that the travel was related to his work and not for leisure or personal interests. Patel’s journey has sparked public curiosity due to his high-ranking position within OFAC, which handles sanctions and economic warfare against adversaries like China and Russia. Critics have speculated about potential conflicts of interest, especially given Patel’s ties to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his family’s business connections in the pharmaceutical industry. The Justice Department confirmed that Patel was authorized to use a government aircraft for the trip, but emphasized that it was not an extravagant or personal use of federal resources. The agency pointed out that Patel has previously used similar arrangements for international assignments tied to his role in enforcing U.S. economic sanctions. This incident raises questions about transparency and accountability in federal travel policies. Critics argue that such trips should be closely scrutinized, particularly when involving officials with known political connections. However, the FBI maintains that Patel’s actions were appropriate and aligned with his professional duties. For business readers, this story highlights the challenges of managing international relations and economic sanctions while navigating complex political dynamics. It also underscores the importance of transparency in government operations to maintain public trust.

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Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/20/2026