When allegations surfaced that FBI Director Kash Patel used a government jet to watch his country star girlfriend perform in Pennsylvania, he didn’t stay silent.
Instead, Patel went on a social media tirade defending Alexis Wilkins, calling out critics and praising her achievements, while also defending his own personal choices.
Patel Fires Back on Social Media
Patel, 45, labeled his detractors as “uninformed internet anarchists” and called the attacks on Wilkins “disgustingly baseless.”
In a lengthy post, he wrote that Wilkins is “a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life” and described her as a “rock-solid conservative” and “country music sensation” whose contributions surpass most people’s lifetime achievements.
He continued, stressing the personal nature of his defense:
“Attacking her isn’t just wrong — it’s cowardly and jeopardizes our safety.
My love of family will always be my cornerstone, and you will never tear that down or keep me from them.”
Patel’s spokesperson, Ben Williamson, echoed this sentiment, comparing Patel’s travel to the expenses incurred by previous FBI chiefs like James Comey and Christopher Wray, noting that Patel pays reimbursement in advance and only takes personal trips occasionally.
Critics Take Aim
Despite the defense, backlash was swift. Former FBI agent Kyle Seraphin mocked Patel on social media, joking about him using an FBI jet to watch his girlfriend perform wrestling freestyle in Pennsylvania and then flying to Nashville, where she lives.
Conservative commentator Candace Owens also weighed in, criticizing Patel for publicly defending a girlfriend rather than a spouse.
Patel ended his message with a pointed remark toward Trump administration allies:
“And to our supposed allies staying silent — your silence is louder than the clickbait haters.”
Tensions within the Justice Department also surfaced, with Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly upset over Patel prematurely sharing details about an alleged “potential act of terror” in Michigan, which turned out to involve gamers.
Fallout at the FBI
Before posting his social media defense, Patel reportedly fired senior official Steven Palmer, a 27-year bureau veteran responsible for crisis management.
Sources say Palmer’s departure was directly linked to negative media coverage of Patel’s jet usage, with the FBI giving him the option to resign or face termination.
Alexis Wilkins Faces Online Conspiracies
The spotlight on Wilkins, 26, has only intensified. Some MAGA critics have linked her to alleged Trump administration cover-ups, while online conspiracies have falsely suggested she is a Jewish Mossad spy or a “honeypot” meant to influence intelligence figures.
Wilkins has vehemently denied these claims, explaining that her relationship with Patel predates his time as FBI director and that the conspiracies are baseless. She even blocked the word “honeypot” from her Instagram comments due to the harassment.
A Glimpse Into Their Relationship
Wilkins has been by Patel’s side during major milestones, including his swearing-in ceremony, where she impressed attendees with elegance and poise.
Patel has described her as a cornerstone of his life, emphasizing loyalty, family, and partnership.
The couple first met at a ReAwaken America event in October 2022 and began dating in January 2023.
Despite a 19-year age gap, their relationship has drawn public fascination, particularly among MAGA supporters.
While they plan to reside partly in D.C., Wilkins continues to pursue her country music career in Nashville.
Wilkins’ Career and Activism
Wilkins grew up in Arkansas with time spent in England and Switzerland.
As a Nashville-based independent artist, she has shared stages with country legends like Lee Greenwood, Sara Evans, Joe Nichols, Aaron Lewis, Curtis Grimes, and RaeLynn.
Her Veteran’s Day single Stand and debut EP Grit both reached iTunes Top 10, reflecting her rising influence in music.
Beyond music, Wilkins is deeply involved in conservative causes, speaking at Young America’s Foundation events, participating with the Reagan Ranch, collaborating with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation, and engaging with PragerU and NRA Country.
She also works to support veterans through Warrior Rounds and frequently performs at VA hospitals.
Balancing Politics and Entertainment
Wilkins has seamlessly blended her entertainment career with political engagement.
While serving as press secretary for Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-Ariz.), she continues to maintain her presence in the country music scene.
With expanding influence in both spheres, she and Patel appear committed to their future together, navigating public scrutiny and professional responsibilities side by side.