The key facts

  • Patel called the reports of a trip to Moscow 'completely false,' but did not rule out a visit in the future
  • The FBI has 125 offices abroad and cooperates with foreign governments
  • Patel said the Trump administration has 'opened doors' for international cooperation

Patel Did Not Rule Out a Trip to Russia

FBI Director Kash Patel on Thursday refused to rule out the possibility of a trip to Russia, saying that the bureau and the Department of Justice would go 'wherever necessary' to achieve justice for the American people, but declined to reveal possible travel plans for the agencies. 'We are not going to announce where and when we will go,' Patel said at a press conference. 'The FBI and the Department of Justice will go wherever needed to deliver justice for the American people.'

Denial of Reports of a Visit to Moscow

The statements came in response to a question about publications saying that Patel was planning a visit to Moscow, and later claims that he had already been to the Russian capital. Patel called these reports false, but did not explicitly rule out a future trip to Russia. 'As you noted, the reports were completely false,' he said, adding that at the time he was at Liberty University, where he spoke with students, police officers, and young Americans interested in careers in law enforcement.

On the FBI's International Work

Patel defended the bureau's international operations, noting that the FBI has 125 offices abroad and cooperates with foreign governments to combat criminal threats and advance American law enforcement priorities. 'Under this administration, we are engaging with everyone to serve the needs of the American people: reducing crime, finding missing children, bringing hostages home, and countering cyber actors who wish to harm us,' Patel said. He added that the FBI will continue to engage with both allies and adversaries of the United States, crediting the Donald Trump administration with creating opportunities for international cooperation: 'By engaging with allies and adversaries, we will continue this mission, because President Trump has thrown open doors that were previously not opened.'