Rep. Seth Moulton from Massachusetts expressed strong criticism regarding FBI Director Kash Patel’s presence at the Olympic hockey game in Milan. Moulton stated that Patel “doesn’t love America,” particularly in light of Patel celebrating in the locker room with the USA men’s gold medal-winning team.
During an interview, CNN host John Berman pointed out that a photo showed Patel seemingly enjoying himself and drinking beer after the game, prompting questions about the appropriateness of his attendance. He asked Moulton about the legitimacy of Patel being there.
Moulton responded, “If Kash Patel loved America, he’d protect the Constitution and support it through his agency. He wouldn’t be firing people trying to uphold the law, especially when it conflicts with Donald Trump’s political agenda.”
Moulton added that he believes Patel’s loyalty lies with Trump, not the country, stating, “When Trump pardons those involved in the January 6th insurrection, that’s when he will truly speak out.” He emphasized that Patel aims to leverage his position for political gain.
There was no immediate response from the FBI or Justice Department regarding Moulton’s comments.
Berman noted that Patel had explained his presence at the game by saying he was on official business and was invited to celebrate by a friend, a member of Team USA. Patel tweeted, “Yes, I love America and was extremely humbled to be invited to the locker room for this historic moment.”
The U.S. men’s hockey team clinched the gold medal by defeating Canada in sudden-death overtime.
In response to the media scrutiny, Patel’s spokesperson, Ben Williamson, addressed various reports regarding his appearance at the game, particularly those from CBS and MS NOW. Despite Patel’s explanation, there was considerable online backlash, with some critics arguing he should not have attended the match at all.
Some left-leaning media outlets, like Medias Touch, accused Patel’s team of misrepresenting the details of his trip.
