FBI Director Kash Patel is engaged to country singer Alexis Wilkins, the couple has announced.
“Went and got the law involved,” Ms. Wilkins, 27, captioned a photo on social media of her, her ring, and Mr. Patel, 46.
The couple met in 2022 and began dating a few months later.
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They met at an event at singer John Rich’s house in Nashville, Tennessee, they said on a December 2025 episode of “The Katie Miller Podcast.”
“When I met him, I just liked that he was so, so honest. He’s exactly who he is all the time,” Ms. Wilkins said on a July 2025 episode of “The Megyn Kelly Show.”
When Mr. Patel was sworn in as FBI Director in February 2025, Ms. Wilkins attended the ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Since Mr. Patel started his tenure in the Trump administration, the couple’s relationship has been thrust into the limelight over Mr. Patel’s use of government resources related to his now-fiancée, such as traveling on a government plane to see her, which he has defended.
He faced criticism for using agency aircraft and security resources related to his fiancée, including flying to a wrestling match and a concert.
Mr. Patel is required to use government aircraft to maintain access to secure communications, and he said he reimbursed all personal travel and expenses and follows Office of Management and Budget rules, according to a July letter to Sen. Chuck Grassley, Iowa Republican.
“The disgustingly baseless attacks against Alexis — a true patriot and the woman I’m proud to call my partner in life — are beyond pathetic,” he wrote on social media in November 2025 in response to reports about his traveling. “She is a rock-solid conservative and a country music sensation who has done more for this nation than most will in ten lifetimes. I’m so blessed she’s in my life.”
Ms. Wilkins was also given a protective detail that included agents who typically serve on an FBI SWAT team, MS NOW reported in November 2025. The FBI confirmed the detail, saying she has faced hundreds of credible death threats related to her relationship with Mr. Patel.
Mr. Patel defended the action, stating on “The Katie Miller Podcast” that he would not treat Ms. Wilkins differently because he is director and that career investigators conduct the threat assessments and decide whether she needs protection.
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