Overview
- FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson confirmed the bureau bought armored BMW X5s for Kash Patel’s transport, calling it a planned fleet refresh and asserting the choice would save taxpayers money, while declining to release cost documentation.
- Four sources told MS NOW that Patel pushed for the BMWs to be less conspicuous during outings, a break from the agency’s long-standing use of Chevrolet Suburbans for directors’ travel.
- Williamson indicated in a public post that four vehicles were acquired and claimed the decision could save about $1 million, though he has not provided supporting records.
- A person close to Patel argued an armored Suburban would cost about $480,000—roughly twice a BMW—while a Democratic congressional aide questioned that comparison by noting the government typically buys Suburbans in bulk at a discount.
- The purchase compounds scrutiny of Patel’s use of government resources, following reports of personal travel on the FBI jet and a security detail for his girlfriend, with Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee pursuing an inquiry.