Kash Patel, FBI Director and close Trump ally, is facing renewed criticism amid reports he’s spending more time in nightclubs than at his Washington office. The revelations have added to a growing list of controversies surrounding his leadership, business ties, and management of the Bureau.
Nightclubs over national security?
Former FBI counter-intelligence chief Frank Figliuzzi has accused Patel of spending more time at nightclubs than at the FBI’s headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue. Speaking on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, Figliuzzi claimed Patel had become something of a mystery at the J. Edgar Hoover Building.
“Reportedly, he’s been visible at nightclubs far more than he has been on the seventh floor of the Hoover building,” he said. That floor houses the bureau’s top brass, and Patel’s reported absences are raising eyebrows.
Briefings for the director, once a daily affair, have reportedly been reduced to just twice a week. Figliuzzi added that Patel is splitting his time between DC and his Las Vegas home, often working remotely while the bureau is described as being in “chaos.”
Remote work and a disengaged director
Figliuzzi’s characterisation of the FBI as being in turmoil has only intensified scrutiny of Patel’s leadership. “People don’t know what’s happening from day to day,” he claimed, citing internal uncertainty and dysfunction.
Multiple reports have also confirmed Patel spends much of his week in Las Vegas, and his physical absence from DC has sparked concern over a leadership vacuum at a time of increasing political pressure on federal law enforcement.
Polygraphs and leak investigations
In another controversial move, Patel reportedly ordered internal polygraph tests at the FBI in an attempt to root out staff suspected of leaking information to the press. According to The Washington Post, these actions were taken in response to leaks that potentially compromised the bureau’s security protocols.
Senate democrats demand travel probe
Separately, Senate Democrats are demanding a federal investigation into Patel’s use of government aircraft, including the FBI’s private jet fleet. CBS News reported that lawmakers want the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the purpose and cost of these trips, and whether any were for personal use.
If Patel used public resources for private travel, he could face a congressional inquiry and possibly repayment obligations.
Financial ties to Shein raise ethics alarms
Patel is also under fire for holding up to £4 million in shares in Elite Depot, parent company of fast-fashion giant Shein. The Chinese-linked company is preparing for a London IPO, and Patel’s stake—earned after a nine-month consultancy—has raised conflict-of-interest concerns.
Despite pledging to divest from tech giants like Apple and Meta, Patel has held onto his Elite Depot shares. The FBI has allowed this, claiming his duties won’t intersect with the company’s interests—though the shares will continue to vest during his tenure.
National security veterans and ethics watchdogs are alarmed. “He should divest all of his interests,” said Charles Kupperman, former Deputy National Security Adviser, citing Shein’s alleged use of forced labour and Chinese links.
Shein has denied allegations of forced labour and is now eyeing a London IPO after US lawmakers blocked its US listing. However, its ties to China continue to draw bipartisan concern, further complicating Patel’s position as FBI Director.
Consulting millions and foreign clients
Since launching his consultancy firm in 2021, Patel has earned over £1.6 million. His client list includes the Qatari embassy and a Czech defence firm seeking to buy a US arms manufacturer. Both arrangements attracted political scrutiny.
Sources told the Wall Street Journal that Patel used his Trump connections to benefit Elite Depot, further entrenching concerns over his private dealings while serving in a public capacity.
Deep state allegations and “enemies lists”
During his confirmation hearings, Patel denied keeping a list of “deep state” enemies, but his 2023 memoir Government Gangsters paints a different picture. He called for the removal of FBI leadership and branded Trump investigators “criminal gangsters.”
Despite Attorney General Pam Bondi’s assurances that no such list exists, many critics remain unconvinced.
Publishing children’s books and promoting Trump
Alongside his political roles, Patel has authored two pro-Trump children’s books. These publications form part of a broader campaign to shape public opinion and lionise Trump-aligned figures.
