Kash Patel’s Olympics Trip Left Plenty of Time for Leisure, Schedule Shows

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by Glenn Thrush

February 25, 2026

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FBI Director Kash Patel’s four-day trip to Italy during the Milan Olympics included a mix of official duties and significant leisure time, according to an internal schedule obtained by *The New York Times*. The itinerary revealed long stretches of downtime, private meals, cultural activities, and meet-and-greets, raising questions about the necessity of the taxpayer-funded visit. Patel has defended the trip, stating it was planned months in advance to strengthen ties with European partners and improve counterterrorism cooperation. However, critics, including Senate Democrats, argue that the extensive personal time suggests an improper use of government resources. Patel’s schedule included six public meetings and two classified discussions, focusing on topics like Olympic security planning, transnational crime enforcement, and extradition efforts. Despite these official responsibilities, the document shows that Patel had ample free time, which critics say undermines claims that the trip was essential for work purposes. For instance, during the trip, Patel attended a celebratory event with the U.S. hockey team, where he joined them in drinking beer to celebrate their gold medal victory. This has led to speculation about whether the trip’s personal aspects outweighed its professional goals. The revelation of the detailed schedule has sparked outrage, with some calling it a “criminal act” that endangers security by exposing sensitive information. Patel’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of the meetings and dismissed critics as hypocrites who failed to appreciate the significance of the U.S. hockey victory. However, the controversy over the trip highlights broader concerns about government transparency and the appropriate use of taxpayer funds for such trips. This issue matters because it touches on public trust in government officials’ actions and the ethical use of resources. As debates over executive accountability and transparency continue to grow, cases like Patel’s trip raise important questions about how leaders balance personal interests with official duties. The situation also underscores the tension between security needs and the need for openness in

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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/25/2026