Critics Blast Kash Patel for Celebrating With Team USA at the Winter Olympics

In late February 2026, FBI Director Kash Patel became the center of a viral public controversy after footage emerged of him celebrating with the United States men’s Olympic hockey team following their gold medal victory in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

What would normally be a moment of national pride instead ignited a broad debate about professional conduct.

The use of government resources, and the role of senior law‑enforcement officials in public celebrations. The Victory in Milan. On Sunday, February 22, 2026, the U.S. men’s hockey team secured a dramatic gold medal victory over Canada, winning in overtime — the team’s first Olympic title in decades.

The victory was celebrated widely among fans and athletes alike, becoming one of the most talked‑about moments of the Winter Games.

Viral Video: Celebration in the Locker Room
In the hours after the game, clips and photos circulated widely on social media showing Director Patel inside the team’s locker room, joining in the celebration.

The videos showed him wearing Team USA gear, drinking from a bottle, spraying beverages around the room, and at one point being given a gold medal by players.

The footage was shared across platforms, quickly drawing attention both positive and negative.

Many users saw it as a moment of patriotic joy; others questioned the appropriateness of the FBI Director engaging in such a scene while leading the nation’s principal federal investigative agency.

Position and Defense from Patel and the FBI
In response to the criticism, Patel took to the social media platform X to address the controversy directly.

In his statement, he wrote that he was “extremely humbled” to be invited by the winning athletes to join their celebration. He praised the team’s achievement and said the moment reflected American unity and pride.

An FBI spokesperson, Ben Williamson, also clarified that Patel’s travel to Italy was part of official FBI business and not purely a leisure trip.

According to Williamson, Patel was scheduled to meet with Italian law‑enforcement partners and officials involved in Olympic security planning.

The FBI also stated that Patel would personally cover any expenses associated with the celebration itself.

Context: Official Trip to the Olympics
According to multiple news reports, Patel traveled to Milan aboard an FBI or government aircraft. The bureau maintained that his schedule included meetings with the Milan Joint Operations Center — a multinational security coordination group created to support the Winter Olympics — and other security partners.

Photos shared by Patel showed him meeting with officials responsible for law‑enforcement cooperation and Olympic security planning.

The FBI’s explanation sought to underscore that Patel’s presence in Italy was not solely to watch hockey but was tied to the bureau’s role in ensuring the safety and security of U.S. athletes and attendees.

Public and Political Reaction
Despite the FBI’s efforts to frame the trip as official business, reactions were sharply divided.

Criticism from public figures and lawmakers

Some Democratic lawmakers publicly questioned the optics of the FBI Director appearing in an exuberant locker‑room celebration.

Representative Seth Moulton suggested that Patel’s presence and behavior raised broader questions about his priorities and commitment to law‑enforcement duties.

“If Kash Patel loved America, he would uphold the Constitution,” Moulton said in an interview when asked about the video and Patel’s justification for attending the games.

Senator Dick Durbin, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, also criticized Patel’s travel, alleging that the use of FBI and Department of Justice aircraft for trips such as this had hampered the bureau’s operational effectiveness — including delays in responding to critical investigations.

Durbin stated that he had requested reviews by the Government Accountability Office and the Justice Department’s inspector general into Patel’s travel practices.

Former FBI officials weigh in

Former FBI acting director Andrew McCabe commented that the episode sent a “horrible message” to the bureau’s rank and file, saying he found the rationale for Patel’s presence at the Olympics “patently ridiculous” given the bureau’s priorities and typical timelines for security coordination meetings.

Media and cultural commentary

The episode also drew commentary in broader media. Some culture and opinion commentators used the moment to highlight divisions over law‑enforcement conduct, public optics, and political alignment.

In popular late‑night shows, the celebration was sometimes referenced in comedic segments on how public officials engage with high‑profile sports moments.

Supportive Voices
Not all reaction was critical. Some former professional athletes and commentators defended Patel’s presence and participation, framing it as a display of national pride and solidarity with American athletes.

NHL star Jeremy Roenick, for instance, appeared on national television backing the celebration and discussed the significance of the Olympic victory itself.

Supporters also noted that high‑ranking officials, including vice presidents and other government leaders, have historically joined celebrations of American athletic success without incident — though each era’s norms differ.

Broader Debate About Government Officials and Public Appearances
The controversy over Patel’s celebration taps into larger debates about how federal officials balance formal duties with public events.

Critics argue that leaders should maintain a focus on institutional responsibilities and preserve professional decorum, particularly during times of intense national security concerns.

Supporters contend that celebrating American successes — especially in sports that carry strong cultural resonance — can be a unifying gesture that transcends political divisions.

The FBI’s Stance and Next Steps
At the time of this writing, the FBI has continued to stand by Patel’s explanation, reiterating that his travel had official purposes and that he would personally account for any non‑official expenses related to the celebration.

No disciplinary actions or formal inquiries into Patel’s conduct have been announced by the Justice Department.

The contrasting views on Patel’s behavior — from defenders praising national pride to critics decrying lax judgment — reflect broader national polarization around law enforcement and public officials’ roles.