FBI Director Kash Patel sparked backlash after celebrating in the locker room with Team USA following their Olympic gold win in men’s hockey in Milan. Videos showed him singing, drinking beer, and spraying drinks with players — even wearing a gold medal — which quickly went viral.
Critics called the behavior inappropriate, questioning whether he should have been celebrating while serious issues were unfolding at home. Others raised concerns about travel costs, speculating whether taxpayer funds were used for the Italy trip.
Patel responded on X, saying he was honored to celebrate with the team and praised their unity and sacrifice. An FBI spokesperson later clarified the trip was planned months in advance, included meetings with Italian officials, and involved overseeing the FBI’s role in Olympic security — denying it was personal travel.