Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee are probing FBI Director Kash Patel's use of the FBI's Gulfstream jet for personal travel. The committee's inquiry, led by Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, focuses on recent media reports alleging Patel's use of the jet for 'date nights' in Tennessee and outings with friends in Texas. The Democrats have requested travel records, passenger information, and communication regarding these flights. The letter highlights Patel's Oct. 25 flight to Pennsylvania to watch his girlfriend perform at a wrestling match, followed by a flight to Nashville the next day. It also questions a trip to Texas hosted by a Republican Party donor. The FBI has not yet responded to requests for comment. The committee's power is limited as minority party members, and they can only request records, not enforce subpoenas. This comes after CBS News reported on questions surrounding Patel's use of FBI aircraft, including a Senate Democrats' request for a Government Accountability Office review of his travel. FBI directors must use government aircraft for official or personal travel, maintaining secure communications and quick response capabilities. Personal flights must be reimbursed at coach fare rates, and directors can take family or friends, but costs must be covered by the government.
