Kash Patel, Alexis Wilkins Engaged

FBI Director Kash Patel and singer Alexis Wilkins announced their engagement.

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Updated Oct 5, 11:14am ET

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What happened

FBI Director Kash Patel and country singer Alexis Wilkins announced their engagement on social media, with Wilkins posting a ring photo and writing, “Went and got the law involved.” Patel, 46, and Wilkins, 27, began dating in early 2023, before Patel became FBI director in February 2025. Wilkins attended his swearing-in and has performed at conservative political events. Their relationship has drawn scrutiny over Patel’s use of government aircraft and FBI personnel for trips involving Wilkins. Patel has said his position requires government aircraft for personal travel, with reimbursements under federal rules. Wilkins is suing MS NOW over a disputed report. A jury trial is scheduled for May 2028.

How each side covered it

From the left

Left-leaning outlets framed the news around a relationship rooted in conservative politics, then tied it to questions about Patel’s official travel. HuffPost emphasized Wilkins’s conservative affiliations while noting criticism that Patel used government aircraft for trips with no clear law-enforcement purpose.

From the right

Right-leaning outlets treated the news as a personal milestone while still foregrounding Wilkins’s conservative profile and travel scrutiny. Breitbart News focused on criticism over government resources linked to personal travel and appearances involving Wilkins. Washington Examiner cast Wilkins as an active conservative figure aligned with the Trump administration. Daily Caller leaned into the celebratory moment and her support during Patel’s rise.

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