Kash Patel Faces Calls to Cancel Russia Trip Over Security Concerns

US lawmakers Jamie Raskin and Jim Himes urged FBI Director Kash Patel to cancel a reported October 2026 trip to Russia, warning that a visit hosted by Russia’s Federal Security Service could expose sensitive US information to security risks.

According to the Kyiv Independent, Politico first reported in July that Patel was planning a fall visit to Moscow and St. Petersburg, tentatively scheduled for Oct. 14. The FBI has not confirmed the itinerary or publicly responded to the lawmakers’ concerns.

The lawmakers described Russia as a "hostile foreign power" and questioned the decision to visit a country they said has targeted US interests through cyber operations and election influence efforts.

In their letter, Raskin and Himes wrote that Russia "has been committing war crimes, conducting influence operations against U.S. elections, conducting malicious cyberattacks against our critical infrastructure, and helping our adversaries target and kill American soldiers?" according to reports from the Kyiv Independent and Raw Story.

The two Democrats requested a closed-door congressional briefing about the trip, including Patel’s itinerary, accompanying individuals, planned meetings and safeguards for protecting sensitive information. They also raised concerns about reported FBI cooperation with Russian and Chinese law enforcement agencies.

"As Director of the FBI, you possess information that would be highly valuable to America's adversaries," said Jamie Raskin and Jim Himes in their letter, according to Raw Story.

The lawmakers added that "Unfortunately, your affinity for the Russian government does not inspire confidence that you will be able to effectively safeguard those secrets." The letter was released publicly on Oct. 9 after being sent to Patel.

FBI officials and former national security personnel also raised concerns about the planned visit, according to reports from The Atlantic cited by multiple outlets. Former FBI counterterrorism official Christopher O’Leary questioned why the bureau chief would leave the country so close to elections.

"If there was real concern about interference in our elections, then the FBI director should be in the United States leading the effort around the clock," said Christopher O’Leary, a former senior FBI counterterrorism official.

Former CIA analyst Julia Curlee also criticized the reported trip, saying the visit would need a clear purpose related to US security priorities.

"Unless he's going to warn them to stay out of our elections and get out of Ukraine, he has no business there," said Julia Curlee, a former CIA analyst.

Patel has defended closer international law enforcement relationships and previously described developing FBI ties with Russia and China as new and dynamic, while also acknowledging Moscow’s espionage threat. The FBI director has not confirmed whether the Russia trip will proceed.