For months, Democrats have been upset about FBI Director Kash Patel’s use of taxpayer money for his travel.Now, the concerns have caught the attention of the most powerful Republicans in Washington, who want to know what’s really going on.
None other than Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley has asked for records about Patel’s use of FBI planes, wanting to know if Patel properly paid back the government for any personal travel and calling for an independent look into his flying habits.
Grassley also wants to know why Patel decided to replace the FBI’s usual fleet of Chevrolet Suburbans with armored BMWs, a decision that was very expensive and raised questions inside the FBI.
This comes after Democrats pointed out some unusual travel benefits that Patel was said to enjoy, like a VIP snorkeling trip near the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii, helicopter tours, and other recreational activities that lawmakers believe go beyond what a public servant should expect.
Democrats also cited a source who said Patel told FBI staff, “If you have golf, hockey, fishing, or hunting and beautiful sights, you’re going to see a lot of me.”
Patel probably thought these things were just part of the job—remember the personalized whiskey bottles?—but Grassley isn’t easily fooled.
In his letter, Grassley asked, “For each trip where you used an FBI aircraft for personal travel, have you reimbursed the FBI as required by law?
If yes, please provide the records.”
He also demanded an “independent and objective review” of Patel’s travel and wanted to know why the FBI chose the expensive BMWs instead of the usual Chevys.
Luckily, Grassley’s Senate colleague Dick Durbin and Rep.
Jamie Raskin also sent a letter to Patel, making sure to include every detail.
They wrote, “Your VIP snorkeling experience in Hawaii was not an isolated incident.
You frequently demand special perks on ‘official’ trips around the globe, such as a taxpayer-funded helicopter tour during your multi-country jaunt across East Asia and other recreational activities like jet skiing.”
That was enough to get Grassley’s attention, just like when dad finally gets the credit card bill after you “borrowed” it from his wallet while he was in the shower.
It’s time for party boy Kash Patel to pay the piper, and this time, the protection bubble has broken down.
Good luck explaining your endless vacation on the taxpayers’ dime.
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