Former FBI Deputy Director Condemns Director's Olympic Hockey Trip as 'Completely Inappropriate'
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe has strongly criticized current FBI Director Kash Patel's recent trip to the Winter Olympics in Italy, where video showed Patel partying with the USA men's Olympic hockey team. McCabe called the decision to fly using the bureau's jet "completely inappropriate" during an appearance on CNN's "The Lead" with host Jack Tapper.
Security Meeting Excuse Dismissed as 'Patently Ridiculous'
While FBI spokespeople have maintained that Patel was in Milan for legitimate security meetings, McCabe dismissed this explanation as "patently ridiculous." He pointed out that the timing of the trip—occurring just before the games concluded—undermined any claim of essential security planning.
"The excuse that he had to go for security meetings the day before the games are over is patently ridiculous," McCabe told Tapper. "The video is ridiculous, and it was completely inappropriate for him to be engaging, to go at all."
Contrast with Previous FBI Protocol
McCabe contrasted Patel's last-minute trip with the approach taken by former FBI Director Robert Mueller before the 2004 Summer Games in Athens. Mueller visited Greece a full eight months prior to the event to make security arrangements, which McCabe described as the appropriate timeframe for such planning.
"That's when the sort of details and arrangements are made that an FBI director needs to weigh in on to make sure that others understand the role of the bureau and those sorts of things," McCabe explained. "It's not the day of the final hockey game."
Timing Concerns During Critical Investigations
The former deputy director expressed particular concern about the timing of Patel's trip, noting that the FBI currently has its "plate full" with high-profile investigations including the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie and potential military action against Iran. McCabe emphasized that during periods of heightened international tension, the FBI should be thoroughly examining records for potential security threats.
"Now, I can tell you from having been in that position before, when you are on the brink of hostilities with a country that is a sponsor of terrorism, the FBI is right now using a microscope—or they should be—to go through all of their records to find Iranian sleeper agents in the United States," McCabe stated.
Patel's Defense and Previous Controversies
In a message posted on social media platform X on Sunday, Patel defended his participation in the celebration with the gold medal-winning hockey team. "Yes, I love America and was extremely 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," he wrote. "Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth."
According to a report from MS NOW, Patel's trip cost taxpayers as much as $75,000. This is not the first time Patel's use of FBI resources has raised concerns. Last year, he attracted attention for using the bureau's jet to travel to Pennsylvania to see his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, perform at a wrestling event.
Impact on FBI Morale and Public Perception
McCabe warned that Patel's actions send a "horrible, horrible message to the FBI rank and file" at a time when the bureau faces numerous critical challenges. The controversy highlights ongoing questions about appropriate use of government resources and the ethical standards expected of high-ranking officials in law enforcement agencies.
Host Jack Tapper noted during the CNN segment that he knows "Republicans on Capitol Hill are embarrassed" about Patel's controversial trip, suggesting broader political discomfort with the director's actions beyond just Democratic criticism.
