• Source:JND

A political firestorm has erupted in Washington after FBI Director Kash Patel was accused of using a government aircraft worth USD 60 million to travel and meet his girlfriend, rising country music artist Alexis Wilkins, in Pennsylvania. The allegations, first amplified by former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin on his podcast, claim that Patel used taxpayer resources for personal reasons while thousands of government employees faced delyed pay due to an ongoing shutdown.

The FBI swiftly rejected the accusations, calling them “disingenuous,” and clarified that federal regulations require the bureau’s director to use government aircraft at all times, even for personal trips. The regulation reportedly exists to ensure constant access to secure communications in emergencies. The agency also stated that Patel reimburses the government in advance for personal travel, adhering to federal guidelines.

Patel Calls Attacks “Disgustingly Baseless”

Responding to the controversy, Patel issued a sharp statement condemning both political opponents and supposed allies who have remained silent. Defending Wilkins, he said the outrage had crossed a personal line.

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“The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis, a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life, are beyond pathetic,” he wrote. Patel praised her as a “rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation,” adding that she had contributed more to the nation than most “in ten lifetimes.” He argued that targeting his partner was “cowardly” and compromised both their safety.

FBI Officials Back Director

Ben Williamson, Assistant Director for Public Affairs, reinforced Patel’s defense, emphasizing that directors are barred from flying commercial aircraft. “They are required-use travelers under federal regulations,” he explained. “This is mandated by Congress.”

According to Williamson, Patel’s personal travel is limited, heavily monitored, and reimbursed, contrary to claims that taxpayer money funded the alleged trip.

Who Is Alexis Wilkins?

At the center of this political storm is 26-year-old Alexis Wilkins, a country music singer and Capitol Hill Press Secretary for Representative Abe Hamadeh. Born on November 3, 1999, in Boston, she comes from a family with military and immigrant roots; her father, son of Armenian immigrants, served in the US Navy during the Korean War before working at Gillette, while her mother worked in aerospace and pharmaceuticals.

Wilkins launched her debut EP Grit in 2023, reaching number four on the iTunes chart. Her first single, Holdin’ On, arrived in 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business and political science from Belmont University.

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