Kash Patel Accused of Disrespecting Trump for Using Foul Word During Phone Call With USA Hockey Team

The intersection of high-stakes diplomacy and locker-room levity has landed the FBI Director in hot water. Kash Patel is facing scrutiny after a celebration with the gold medal-winning US men's hockey team in Milan allegedly veered into disrespect toward President Donald Trump during a live phone call.

The incident has sparked debate about the decorum expected of the nation's top law enforcement official. Critics argue that his conduct during the celebratory call was unbecoming of his office.

Allegations of Profanity and Poor Protocol During Presidential Call

Patel has been accused of disrespecting Trump during a phone conversation with the hockey team. The US men's hockey team was celebrating after beating Canada to win gold at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, and invited Patel into the locker room when Trump called to congratulate the athletes on their victory.

Footage of the call shared on X shows the FBI Director opening a can of beer directly beside the phone's microphone as the President congratulated the athletes on their historic victory.

'We'll get Kash, and we'll get the military to get you guys,' Trump told the athletes, as Patel continued drinking his beer. 'I got it, boss, I got it!' Patel randomly spluttered as Trump spoke.

'You got it, Kash?' the POTUS asked Patel, and the latter replied, 'I'm on it, I'm f****** on it.'

The juxtaposition of the President's formal praise with the sound of cracking cans and profanity led many to accuse Patel of disrespecting Trump. Some felt the environment seemed more like a social gathering than an official government engagement.

Questions Over Priorities Amid Search for Nancy Guthrie

The optics of the Milan trip were further complicated by ongoing crises back in the United States. Patel was heavily criticised for travelling to Italy to watch the hockey game while the FBI was still actively searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television host Savannah Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her Arizona home weeks ago. Critics questioned the director's decision to prioritise an overseas trip reportedly funded by taxpayers.

Patel travelled to Italy using the FBI's Gulfstream G550, which reportedly costs £3,850 ($5,000) per flight hour, with his round-trip estimated to cost around £58,000 ($75,000). Several argue that the director should have been in Washington or Arizona overseeing the high-profile abduction case. Some have characterised the trip as a taxpayer-funded excursion disguised as official business.

Patel and FBI Defend Italy Trip as Strategic Mission

Responding to the mounting backlash on X, Patel remained unapologetic, stating that he was 'humbled' to be invited by his friends on the team to celebrate their gold medal win.

The FBI's public affairs office also issued a staunch defence of the director, claiming the trip was essential for international cooperation. They clarified that he was in Italy for 'meeting with regional partners and security teams,' the Hill reported.

Officials maintained that the visit was planned months in advance and was not merely for leisure. Despite these explanations, the footage of Patel drinking beer in the locker room has continued to draw criticism over his perceived lack of focus during an active investigation.