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Kash Patel may have disrespected Pearl Harbor victims in Hawaii: 'It fits FBI chief's pattern…'
AP reports Kash Patel participated in a VIP snorkeling excursion near the USS Arizona memorial during a Hawaii stop on a trip tied to official engagements in Australia and New Zealand. The FBI did not disclose the session at the time, prompting criticism and fueling ongoing questions about Patel's leadership and travel practices.
Why It Matters
The episode raises questions about how public officials conduct travel and memorial site activities, and it adds to ongoing scrutiny of Patel's leadership at the FBI.
Timeline
7 Events
AP report on Hawaii snorkeling episode
May 14, 2026
The Associated Press published a report about the Hawaii snorkeling session and noted the stop was part of the Director’s public national security engagements last August.
Patel defends the Hawaii trip as purposely planned, linked to Italian cybercrime investigation
May 2026
Patel defended the trip, saying it was purposely planned in connection with a cybercrime investigation involving Italian authorities.
Backlash over Patel's travel and public appearances earlier this year
February 2026
Patel faced criticism earlier this year after appearing in celebrations with the US men’s hockey team following their Olympic victory in Milan.
Navy describes Patel's Pearl Harbor outing as not an anomaly
August 2025
The Navy described Patel’s outing as not an anomaly, and officials declined to provide records detailing how often such excursions occur or who authorizes them.
FBI Gulfstream G550 stayed in Hawaii during Patel's visit
August 2025
Flight data showed the FBI Gulfstream G550 remained in Hawaii for two nights before moving on to Las Vegas, Patel's adopted hometown.
Snorkel participants briefed and restricted-water policy noted
August 2025
Officials indicated snorkel participants were instructed not to touch or come into contact with the wreckage and were briefed on the memorial's historical significance.
Kash Patel participates in VIP snorkel near USS Arizona during Hawaii stop
August 2025
Patel participated in a rare 'VIP snorkel' excursion around the sunken USS Arizona memorial at Pearl Harbor during an official Hawaii stop while returning from visits to Australia and New Zealand.