Overview
- The Wall Street Journal reported that Patel’s jet stopped in San Angelo, Texas, to visit Boondoggle Ranch during the government shutdown, a resort linked to GOP donor C.R. “Bubba” Saulsbury Jr.
- Journal flight records show nine trips to Las Vegas and seven to Nashville since he took office; the FBI says only a handful were personal and would require reimbursement.
- One trip included a State College wrestling event where his girlfriend, singer Alexis Wilkins, performed, followed by a flight to Nashville, drawing criticism during the shutdown period.
- Justice Department officials have lodged complaints to the White House over the travel, while spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Trump is very proud of Patel’s leadership and Patel dismissed the reporting as “hot garbage.”
- Patel has executed broad personnel changes, including firing at least 30 agents and removing Critical Incident Response Group chief Steven Palmer, as insiders also fault him for public statements that preempted charges or confused local authorities.