Jack Hughes publicly defends Kash Patel amid scrutiny

Apparently the head of the FBI now needs a 5-foot-11, 170-pound enforcer in Jack Hughes to step in on his behalf.

The gold medal hero was asked about the criticism facing Kash Patel after Patel flew to Milan to celebrate with Team USA following their tournament victory. The trip, reportedly funded by taxpayers, has sparked backlash online.

“People are so negative out there,” Hughes said. “They are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing.”

But for many Americans, it doesn’t feel like “almost nothing.” Patel has publicly promised to devote “every waking moment” to investigating the so-called Epstein files — a probe that has been described as one of the most scrutinized investigations in modern U.S. history. Seeing him celebrating overseas, beer in hand, has not sat well with critics who believe optics matter.

At the same time, it’s fair to say that Hughes and the rest of Team USA shouldn’t be dragged into a political controversy they didn’t create. Patel’s presence in the dressing room has shifted headlines away from what should have been a celebration of an outstanding performance. The Americans played a tremendous tournament and delivered when it mattered most. Their gold medal achievement deserves to stand on its own.

Patel, however, has faced mounting criticism for the trip to Milan — a visit some reports estimate cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Photos and videos circulating online show him celebrating enthusiastically with players in the locker room, further fueling debate over whether the timing was appropriate.

Patel defended himself on social media, writing:

“Yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys — greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”

The controversy ultimately raises a broader question about optics, priorities, and public trust. For Team USA, it’s an unfortunate distraction. For Patel, it’s another chapter in an already intense spotlight.

And for Hughes, it’s a reminder that even championship moments can get pulled into something much bigger than hockey.