Comedian and host Jon Stewart delivered a scathing comedic critique of FBI Director Kash Patel during Monday's broadcast of "The Daily Show," focusing on Patel's boisterous celebration with the United States men's hockey team following their Olympic gold medal victory on Sunday. Stewart aired footage of the jubilant locker room scene, which captured the second U.S. hockey gold of the Games, and specifically highlighted the viral clip showing Patel amidst the athletes.
Stewart's Hilarious Commentary on the Viral Moment
"There is absolutely nothing that can detract from this incredibly joyous moment, as all Americans unite in celebration... Wait, what the hell? Is that actually FBI Director Kash Patel? Why on earth are they placing a medal around the neck of the FBI director?" Stewart exclaimed with mock confusion. He further teased, "Is Kash Patel a Make-a-Wish... Man? Or perhaps a Make-a-Wish Kid? Is that essentially what this situation represents?"
Stewart continued his humorous assault, stating, "I do not intend to diminish his condition in any way," before displaying a photograph of Patel with a seemingly startled and wide-eyed expression. The comedian deadpanned, "It is important to note that there is currently no known cure for crazy eyes."
Controversy Over Taxpayer-Funded Travel to the Olympics
This comedic segment follows a report by CBS News last Thursday, which revealed that Director Patel had flown to the Olympic Games aboard an FBI jet, with the expenses covered by taxpayers. In response, FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson issued a statement on the social media platform X, vehemently denying that the trip was personal.
"Director Patel is participating in a trip that was meticulously planned several months in advance. The itinerary includes crucial partner meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials, who extended the invitation to the Director last July," Williamson wrote. He added, "Additionally, the trip involves a follow-up meeting with Ambassador Fertitta, subsequent to our law enforcement roundtable he hosted in January, along with meetings with Legal Attaché staff, and other official engagements."
FBI Spokesperson Accuses Media of False Reporting
Williamson directly accused the media outlet MS NOW of publishing false information regarding the FBI director's activities. In a pointed X post directed at MS NOW reporter Ken Dilanian on Saturday, Williamson wrote, "Your rag outlet inaccurately reported that [Patel] went to casually hang out at the Olympics on the taxpayer dime – even after being provided with information that clearly disproved your theory. Whenever you are prepared to issue a correction, please let me know. I certainly will not hold my breath in anticipation."
Patel's Defense of His Celebratory Appearance
Following the gold medal game on Sunday, Director Patel defended his enthusiastic, beer-chugging appearance in the locker room via an X post. "For the very concerned members of the media - yes, I genuinely love America and was profoundly humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys," Patel stated. He concluded, "This is the greatest country on earth and hockey is the greatest sport on earth."
The episode of "The Daily Show" featuring Stewart's jokes about Patel can be viewed online, with the relevant segment beginning at approximately the 3 minute and 58 second mark.
