FILE PHOTO: FBI Director Kash Patel announces the apprehension of Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder who was on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted Fugitive list, during a press conference in Ontario, California, U.S., January 23, 2026. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
FBI Director Kash Patel was roasted by political analysts and observers on Thursday after he revealed his latest training gimmick for FBI agents.
Variety reported that the FBI is teaming up with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to train new agents at the bureau's headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. The report quotes a press release from the UFC that says fighters will train agents on "specific techniques and tactics, offering a unique perspective to the students as they prepare to enter the field office."
Patel described the partnership as a "tremendous opportunity for our FBI agents to learn and train with some of the greatest athletes on earth — helping the world’s premier law enforcement agency be even better prepared to protect the American people," according to the report.
Analysts and observers reacted to the news on social media.
"Hey, maybe instead of playing karate with celebrities, @Kash_Patel could do his f------ job for once and manage the terrorist threats from Iran?" Tommy Vietor, a former Obama White House staffer, posted on X.
"Expect ridiculous photos and content of Patel training jiu jitsu and shamelessly boondoggling around UFC fighters while trying to look cool and tough," political analyst Paul Rieckhoff posted on X. "While Nancy Guthrie remains missing, a makeshift bomb was thrown near Gracie Mansion, and homeland threats coming out of Iran from drones and other attack methods skyrocket nationwide. He is not a serious leader. His incompetence is making us all less safe."
"And afterward the FBI agents can teach the fighters about forensics, evidence preservation and witness interviews for all the good it will do them," ex-journalist Robbie Sherwood posted on X.