FBI Director Kash Patel found himself at the center of a manufactured controversy this week after joining the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team in their locker room celebration following their dramatic gold medal victory over Canada. Videos showing Patel drinking beer and celebrating with the championship team went viral Sunday, prompting predictable criticism from media outlets eager to undermine the Trump administration’s law enforcement leadership.
From The Associated Press:
“When the American men’s hockey team retreated to their locker room to celebrate their Winter Olympics gold medal win, they were joined by a special guest from the United States: FBI Director Kash Patel. For some supporters of the embattled law enforcement official, it was a patriotic, good-natured show of support for a team bringing home the first gold in the sport since 1980.”
Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude- what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.… pic.twitter.com/hBG987pxM2
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 22, 2026
The footage shows a jubilant Patel accepting a gold medal from one of the players, drinking from a beer bottle, and joining the team in singing and jumping celebrations. For a Director known for his intense focus on reforming the bureau, the moment represented a rare public display of the patriotic enthusiasm that drives his commitment to American excellence.
From TIME Magazine:
“Patel appears in the videos to be drinking beer, wearing a gold medal, and dancing and singing with the team. For the very concerned media – 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. Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”
For the very concerned media - 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- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.…
— Kash Patel (@Kash_Patel) February 23, 2026
Patel’s spokesman, Ben Williamson, defended the trip against accusations that it represented personal use of government resources. He noted that the Director’s presence in Milan included official meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials, as well as oversight of the FBI’s role in Olympic security operations. The hockey celebration occurred after the completion of these official duties.
From TIME Magazine:
“No, it’s not a personal trip. Director Patel is on a trip that was planned months ago that includes meetings with Italian law enforcement and officials and managing the FBI’s major role in Olympic security,” Williamson said.
FBI Director Kash Patel Pounds a Beer and Gets Rowdy in Team USA Locker Room After Thrilling Gold Medal Hockey Win https://t.co/daAEO8qnsp pic.twitter.com/Onu0qFyKJw
— Mediaite (@Mediaite) February 23, 2026
The timing of the celebration drew particular scrutiny from critics who noted it occurred while other security matters demanded attention. A man was shot and killed by Secret Service after breaching the perimeter at Mar-a-Lago, and the FBI had ongoing investigations including the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie. Critics suggested Patel should have remained glued to his desk rather than supporting American athletes representing their country on the world stage.
From The Associated Press:
“The episode deepened questions about Patel’s personal travels, a persistent storyline of his one-year tenure not only because of their frequency but also because he had chastised his predecessor, Chris Wray, for his use of the FBI plane.”
FBI Director Kash Patel joined the celebrations in the locker room following the US men's hockey team's gold-medal win at the Milan Winter Olympics. pic.twitter.com/mYNiNgq3v6
— Benjamin Alvarez (@BenjAlvarez1) February 22, 2026
The White House quickly came to Patel’s defense, with Communications Director Steven Cheung cutting through the media noise with a pointed response to a reporter questioning the Director’s activities.
From The Associated Press:
“The White House signaled its backing for Patel, with communications director Steven Cheung writing on X that ‘Kash was also in Italy meeting with regional partners and security teams’ and telling a reporter ‘don’t be mad because America won.’”
BREAKING: FBI Party Director Kash Patel just got busted on camera goofing off with Olympic athletes after telling the media he went to Italy for "meetings!"
— Dr.Sam Youssef Ph.D.,M.Sc.,DPT. (@drhossamsamy65) February 22, 2026
The hardworking Patel was spotted in the Team USA men’s hockey locker room after the Team USA hockey victory at the… pic.twitter.com/yIrq8budLT
The manufactured controversy ignores the reality that FBI Directors frequently travel as part of their duties and that showing support for American athletes competing internationally is hardly unprecedented for government officials. Patel’s enthusiasm for hockey and his willingness to celebrate American victory should be viewed as assets, not liabilities.
Democrats in Congress have previously launched investigations into Patel’s travel, including a December probe examining his use of FBI aircraft. These investigations conveniently ignore that senior government officials require secure transportation as a matter of standard security protocol, not personal privilege.
From TIME Magazine:
“In a November post on X after reports of his trip to the wrestling event, Patel said, ‘Let me be clear: we will not be distracted by baseless rumors or the noise from uninformed internet anarchists and the fake news. I and this FBI will stay laser-focused on our mission and continue the reform we promised — rebuilding this Bureau from the ground up.’”
Patel’s presence in that locker room represented something increasingly rare in Washington: an unapologetic display of American pride from a senior official. While critics obsess over process and paperwork, the FBI Director chose to celebrate American excellence with Americans who had just achieved something remarkable. The medal around his neck was not his own, but he wore it with the pride of a country that still produces champions.
