$480,000 Armoured BMWs For FBI Chief Kash Patel Spark Fresh Controversy Over Job Perks

Last Updated:December 24, 2025, 13:07 IST

Traditionally, FBI directors travel in Chevrolet Suburbans. The decision to switch to German-made BMWs marks a clear departure from that practice.

Critics have raised questions regarding the blurring of personal and official boundaries, particularly concerning Patel’s use of bureau resources. File pic/Reuters

FBI Director Kash Patel has come under renewed scrutiny after reports revealed that the agency purchased luxury armoured BMW vehicles for his official travel. The move has added to an ongoing House investigation into Patel’s alleged misuse of taxpayer funds.

According to a Forbes report quoting MS Now, the FBI bought an unspecified number of armoured BMW X5s at Patel’s request. The agency later confirmed the purchase, saying the vehicles were intended to make the FBI director less “conspicuous" while travelling.

Traditionally, FBI directors travel in Chevrolet Suburbans. The decision to switch to German-made BMWs marks a clear departure from that practice. While similar BMWs are used by the US government to transport State Department officials and diplomats in high-risk overseas areas, their use by an FBI director within the United States has raised questions.

Former Justice Department official Stacey Young described the move as “an embarrassment," saying it reflected poorly on the agency’s leadership.

What FBI said in defence? 

FBI spokesperson Ben Williamson defended the purchase, arguing that the BMWs were more cost-effective than other upgraded vehicles the agency could have bought. He said the decision was partly aimed at saving taxpayer money by choosing cheaper or more efficient options.

However, the FBI has not disclosed how much the vehicles cost. An anonymous source told MS Now that the BMWs were less than half the price of a new armoured Suburban, which can cost around $480,000. A Democratic congressional aide disputed that claim, saying the government could have bought multiple Suburbans at a discounted rate. Williamson rejected that argument but did not provide figures.

The controversy comes amid wider criticism of Patel’s use of taxpayer-funded resources. He has been accused of using the FBI’s private jet to visit his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, and of arranging an FBI security detail for her.

Patel has said he follows FBI rules that prevent directors from flying commercially and insists he pays for personal travel. He has argued that the criticism is politically motivated and claims his leadership has made the FBI more effective than under previous directors.

What critics said?

Stacey Young said the BMW issue fits a broader pattern. She cited reports that Patel once refused to leave an agency aircraft without a properly fitted FBI raid jacket and that he created a personalised FBI challenge coin to hand out.

“He needs everything just right," Young said, adding that the luxury cars added to concerns about his leadership style.

It’s also reported that Patel lobbied the FBI to buy a new private aircraft. That request was rejected due to its high cost, estimated at between $90 million and $115 million.

Patel has dismissed criticism of his private jet use as “nonsense" and “falsehoods," claiming he has saved money by flying from government airfields and limiting personal trips.

House Democrats have launched an investigation into Patel’s travel and spending. In December, they sent him a letter seeking detailed records and internal communications. It remains unclear whether Patel has responded.

As scrutiny grows, Patel’s use of official resources is likely to remain under close political and public attention.

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