The FBI is forcefully pushing back after details of Director Kash Patel’s schedule during a recent trip to the Winter Olympics were leaked to the press, with a spokesperson describing the disclosure as a “criminal act” that could jeopardize security.
Patel’s attendance at the Winter Olympics in Milan has drawn scrutiny in recent days, particularly after he was seen at multiple U.S. men’s hockey games and later celebrating with players following the team’s gold medal victory over Canada. Critics have raised questions about his use of taxpayer-funded government resources during the trip. Patel, however, has maintained that his visit to Italy was not solely for leisure.
According to a copy of his schedule obtained and published Tuesday morning by The New York Times, Patel’s weekend included a combination of official engagements and personal activities. The schedule reportedly showed that while he held a handful of meetings, he also attended two hockey games, participated in private dinners, and set aside a four-and-a-half-hour block labeled “personal time.”
The publication of the detailed itinerary sparked swift reaction from the bureau.
Later Tuesday morning, New York Times reporter Glenn Thrush shared a statement from the FBI addressing the leak. Thrush wrote on social media that the bureau described the disclosure of Patel’s schedule as a “criminal act,” even though the document was stamped “unclassified” and the listed events had already concluded.
In its statement, the FBI said: “The leaking of his minute-by-minute schedule is a criminal act that jeopardizes security and will not be taken lightly.”
The bureau’s response underscores concerns within federal law enforcement about the potential risks associated with publishing detailed information about the movements of high-ranking officials. While the schedule was marked unclassified and the events had already occurred, the FBI indicated that releasing such granular details could still pose security concerns.
Patel’s appearance at the Olympic events — including his presence at multiple hockey games and the team’s celebration after defeating Canada in the gold medal matchup — fueled online debate about whether the trip blended official duties with personal enjoyment. The released schedule appeared to show both meetings and downtime during the weekend abroad.
The FBI did not elaborate publicly on what specific laws may have been violated or whether an investigation into the leak is underway. However, by labeling the disclosure a criminal act, the bureau signaled that it views the release of the director’s schedule as a serious breach.
As questions continue about the circumstances surrounding the leak, the episode highlights ongoing tensions between media transparency and security concerns at the highest levels of federal law enforcement. For now, the FBI’s message is clear: the unauthorized disclosure of detailed schedules for top officials will not be treated lightly, regardless of how the documents were marked.
