FBI Director cancels Chicago trip after White House summons

FBI Director Kash Patel canceled a planned trip to Chicago on Friday, July 10, 2026, after being called to the White House, an episode that has intensified scrutiny of his travel and conduct. The cancellation came as Patel faced bipartisan congressional inquiries into his use of government resources.

According to reports citing anonymous sources, Patel was preparing to board an FBI jet at Joint Base Andrews on Friday morning for a trip that included a scheduled visit to the FBI's Chicago field office and plans to attend a Saturday performance by his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, at the White City Smokeout festival. Multiple sources alleged the office visit was a late addition to justify the personal trip, with one calling it a "fake office visit" for the concert. Patel canceled while on the tarmac after being summoned to the White House, the sources said.

The White House disputed the characterization that Patel was called in due to frustration over his behavior. White House communications director Steven Cheung stated that the idea Patel was summoned over frustration was "totally inaccurate" and that he was at the White House for unrelated meetings. Cheung also...