FBI Director Kash Patel took VIP snorkel trip around USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor, Navy says

Key Points:

• FBI Director Kash Patel took a rare VIP snorkeling tour near the USS Arizona wreckage at Pearl Harbor during an official visit to Hawaii last summer, arranged by the U.S. Navy but not included in his public schedule.
• The Navy confirmed the tour was conducted with safety briefings and respect for the memorial, describing it as standard practice to host distinguished visitors with local leadership support.
• The FBI acknowledged the excursion as a historical tour to honor fallen heroes, emphasizing it was part of Patel’s official national security engagements in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Critics have raised concerns that Patel may be using his position for personal perks, citing previous controversies such as his appearance with the U.S. men’s hockey team during the Winter Olympics and allegations of excessive drinking and job performance issues.
• Patel has denied the allegations, suing The Atlantic for defamation over a critical article, while the White House continues to support him, highlighting his role in reducing crime and prosecuting high-profile criminals.