Kash Patel Allegedly Orchestrates Cover-up Using $60M Plane as Uber
The FBI has dismissed Steven Palmer, a veteran official who served the bureau for 27 years, amidst controversy surrounding Kash Patel’s use of an FBI aircraft. Palmer was the deputy assistant director of the Critical Incident Response Group (CIRG), responsible for overseeing the bureau’s aviation units. His termination, made official on Friday, marks the third departure of a CIRG leader during Patel’s tenure.
Kash Patel’s Alleged Misuse of Government Resources
Reports emerged that Kash Patel, a prominent figure in the FBI, allegedly misused a $60 million aircraft for personal purposes. This incident reportedly took place while the agency faced a government shutdown affecting employee salaries. Patel’s actions drew criticism from former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin, who questioned the validity of utilizing government resources for personal gain.
Flight Details and Social Media Backlash
- Palmer reportedly resigned under pressure, partially due to unfavorable media coverage about Patel.
- The plane’s logs indicated its landing near Penn State on October 25, before departing for Nashville.
- Patel’s girlfriend, country musician Alexis Wilkins, posted about their time at a Real American Freestyle event, later removed from Instagram.
Patel’s use of the private jet gained traction after a self-identified whistleblower highlighted flight logs, leading to increased media scrutiny.
Official Responses and Reactions
Ben Williamson, the FBI’s Assistant Director for Public Affairs, defended Patel on X, denouncing the claims as “disingenuous” and criticized the media’s narrative. Williamson emphasized the commitment and hard work of Patel and his team, disputing the allegations against them.
It was reported that Palmer was given an ultimatum to resign or face termination, which sources suggested was linked to the negative press surrounding Patel. Insiders expressed confusion regarding Patel’s decision to blame Palmer for the fallout.
Trends in Leadership Changes at the FBI
Palmer’s exit marks a significant shift within the FBI since Patel’s appointment in late February. Previously, Brian Driscoll and Wes Wheeler also faced dismissal under Patel’s leadership. This ongoing trend of firings has raised concerns about political motivations behind personnel changes within the bureau.
Background of the Dismissals
- Driscoll was dismissed in August, having served briefly as acting leader.
- Wheeler’s exit was part of a larger wave of firings at the bureau.
- Numerous departures have included individuals deemed political opponents or insufficiently loyal to the current administration.
As scrutiny of Patel’s actions increases, the FBI faces growing public and media pressure regarding accountability and ethical use of government resources. The agency has had to contend with precedent established by former directors who faced backlash over similar issues.
