Why is FBI chief Kash Patel deploying Swat teams for his girlfriend’s protection?

FBI Director Kash Patel is facing fresh criticism after reports claimed he assigned Swat agents and other government resources to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Patel reportedly believes the 27-year-old, who is known in conservative circles, could be at risk because of online threats she has recently received

Kash Patel is back in the spotlight, and not for the reasons he’d like. The FBI Director is facing fresh criticism after reports claimed he assigned Swat agents and other government resources to protect his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins.

According to a report in The New York Times, FBI resources have been diverted to Wilkins several times in recent months. The outlet, citing both current and former FBI officials, noted that using agents trained for specialised, high-risk missions in this manner is highly unusual.

And this isn’t the first time
Patel’s actions have raised questions. Just a few months ago, he faced scrutiny for reportedly using a taxpayer-funded jet to attend one of Wilkins’ performances at a sporting event. While Patel, 45, has denied the claims, critics have called the pattern of decisions an abuse of power and a misuse of government resources.

So why exactly are Swat agents being deployed for Patel’s girlfriend? And is this even allowed? Here’s a closer look.

Why are Swat agents accompanying Wilkins?

The widely discussed incident unfolded at the National Rifle Association’s annual convention in Atlanta, where
Alexis Wilkins performed the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner.

She arrived at the venue with two FBI Swat agents from the local field office, officers Patel had reportedly directed to accompany her. These agents are usually reserved for high-risk operations like hostage rescues, not event escorts.

Once the agents assessed the venue and found no immediate risk to the 27-year-old singer, they quietly left early.

According to The New York Times, Patel was angered by this decision. He allegedly reprimanded the team’s commander, arguing that Wilkins should not have been left without protection and criticising what he viewed as poor communication.

Patel believed that Wilkins, who is known in conservative circles, could still be vulnerable because of online threats she had received.

Wilkins, who has been with Patel for nearly three years, had posted screenshots showing several disturbing messages earlier this year, including ones urging her to “take a bullet” or harm herself. One threat was timestamped February 22, 2025, just a day after Patel was sworn in.

A similar situation played out in late September. After responding to the killing of conservative figure Charlie Kirk in Utah, Swat agents from the Salt Lake City field office were abruptly redirected to protect Wilkins at a political event, out of fear she could also be targeted.

FBI director faces criticism

But many inside the agency have pushed back on these decisions to assign agents to protect the director’s girlfriend.

Former senior FBI agent Christopher O’Leary told MS NO