FBI Director Kash Patel faces a new wave of questions for alleged use of public resources for personal purposes. The controversy revolves around the purchase of BMW X5 vehicles for use, flights on official planes and trips that lawmakers say included taxpayer-funded recreational activities.

What makes this case different is that the criticism is no longer coming solely from Democrats. Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee and one of Patel's top allies, also sought explanations for the spending, in a move that increases pressure on the agency head.

MS NOW obtained letters sent by lawmakers and whistleblower testimony delivered to congressional judiciary committees.

BMW, official planes and trips under the magnifying glass

According to the aforementioned media, Patel ordered the purchase of several BMW X5s to replace the traditional Chevrolet Suburbans used by FBI directors.

The official's spokesperson previously assured that the decision represented savings for the government, although, according to the media, documents were never presented to support that claim.

In the letter sent to Patel, Chuck Grassley also asked for details about the use of official aircraft.

"For each trip on which you used an FBI aircraft for personal travel, have you reimbursed the FBI as required by law? If so, please provide the records," the senator wrote.

While acknowledging that FBI policy allows its director to travel on agency planes for security reasons, Grassley maintained that Congress must have enough information to conduct independent oversight.

Democrats denounce privileges and misuse of resources

For their part, Representative Jamie Raskin and Senator Richard Durbin sent another letter in which they accuse Patel of demanding special privileges during his official trips.

Featured activities include helicopter tours, jet skiing, water skiing and a VIP snorkeling tour around the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor during a trip to Hawaii.

“His VIP snorkeling experience in Hawaii was not an isolated incident,” the lawmakers wrote.

Democrats also questioned trips to Australia, New Zealand, Italy and other destinations where, according to the complaint, Patel would have combined official activities with personal matters, such as attending sporting events, UFC fights and his partner's concerts.

Pressure mounts on FBI director

Raskin and Durbin argue that the official's behavior could contradict government ethics standards and Justice Department policies.

“This is not the conduct of a committed and faithful public servant,” the lawmakers stated in their letter.

So far, the FBI has not publicly responded to the allegations.