Alexis Wilkins, the country singer and girlfriend of FBI Director Kash Patel, fired back at social media users who questioned how she landed a performance slot at the Great American State Fair. Wilkins announced the gig on X, calling it "a great honor to be a part of the 250th birthday of this great nation."
Social Media Backlash
After several well-known entertainers dropped out of the event, many on social media mocked the booking. Some joked that Wilkins was chosen only because Lara Trump, the president's singing daughter-in-law, was unavailable. Others directly linked her relationship with Patel to the gig.
One user wrote: "I guess Lara Trump was busy?" Another quipped: "I have a feeling that @LaraLeaTrump is really pissed off that she isn't who got asked to replace Milli Vanilli." A third posted: "Because Trump can't get real stars, the FBI Director's side piece gets a slot!!! Goddess Bless America!"
Ethics Question Prompts Testy Response
The tension escalated when X user Sara Higdon asked: "Does having the FBI director's girlfriend getting paid by the taxpayers to perform violate federal ethics laws?" Wilkins responded with a lengthy defense, insisting she earned the gig on her own merits.
"I have been a country music artist for years now. I have had a successful career in both music and commentary/strategy," Wilkins wrote. She added: "I am not accepting payment for this great honor. The Freedom250 entire celebration is on a fundraising arm; neither UFC nor any National Mall celebrations are 'taxpayer funded.'"
Wilkins concluded: "I'm no longer accepting false narratives and total sham accusations that diminish my hard work and earned accomplishments, so please expect this kind of response to continue."
Claims of Success Challenged
However, critics quickly pointed to her modest streaming numbers. One user posted a screenshot showing Wilkins had fewer than 6,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, writing: "You don't even have 6k monthly listeners. What 'successful career'?"
Wilkins, 27, has been dating Patel, 46, for about three years after being introduced by a mutual friend in Nashville, Tennessee. The relationship has drawn increased scrutiny since Patel became FBI director, particularly after reports that he ordered a SWAT security detail for her travel in November. In December, Patel faced criticism for allegedly ordering Wilkins' security to drive one of her drunk friends home after a night of partying.
