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Kash Patel's Hawaii Trip Included ‘VIP Snorkel’ at Pearl Harbor

May 14, 2026

Summary

Emails reveal that FBI Director Kash Patel's trip to Hawaii included a 'VIP snorkel' at a Pearl Harbor memorial, while he is separately appealing the dismissal of a defamation lawsuit against an ex-FBI official.

How coverage differs

  • Center: FBI Director's Hawaii ‘VIP snorkel’ trip and defamation appeal surface Center outlets primarily frame this story by reporting on the factual revelation from emails that Kash Patel's Hawaii trip included a 'VIP snorkel' at a Pearl Harbor memorial. They present these details straightforwardly, focusing on the specific findings without extensive editorializing or connecting them to wider political controversies.
  • Right: Revelation that Kash Patel's Hawaii trip included a “VIP snorkel” Right-leaning outlets focus on the revelation that Kash Patel's Hawaii trip included a "VIP snorkel" at a Pearl Harbor memorial, highlighting the optics of a high-ranking official engaging in such an activity while facing separate appeals. They scrutinize the use of resources and question the appropriateness of the conduct.

Coverage by lane

Center

  • Kash Patel appeals dismissal of defamation lawsuit against ex-FBI official Figliuzzi
  • Emails show FBI Director Kash Patel's Hawaii trip included 'VIP snorkel' at a Pearl Harbor memorial - AP News

Right

  • Patel went on ‘VIP snorkel’ at Pearl Harbor memorial, emails show - Washington Examiner

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