Key facts
- Reps. Jamie Raskin and Jim Himes urged FBI Director Kash Patel to cancel a trip to Russia.
- The lawmakers cited national security concerns and the FSB's history of espionage.
- The trip was tentatively scheduled for Oct. 14 and included visits to Moscow and St. Petersburg.
- Patel has sought closer ties with Moscow since taking over the bureau in February 2025.
- Patel received $25,000 in 2024 from a film company run by pro-Kremlin filmmaker Igor Lopatonok.
Two senior House Democrats have called on FBI Director Kash Patel to cancel an upcoming trip to Russia, citing "urgent national security concerns." In an Oct. 9 letter, Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Jim Himes warned that the visit could pose security risks, pointing to the Russian Federal Security Service's (FSB) history of espionage against American officials.
Politico first reported in July that Patel was planning a fall visit to Russia, where he would be hosted by the FSB and visit Moscow and St. Petersburg. The trip was tentatively scheduled for Oct. 14.
The Democrats described Russia as a "hostile foreign power" and questioned the FBI Director's decision to visit a country engaged in war crimes, election interference, cyberattacks, and targeting of American soldiers. The letter also referenced Reuters reports indicating Patel has been expanding cooperation with Russian and Chinese law enforcement agencies.
Rep. Himes also commented on social media on Oct. 9, stating he voted against a sanctions bill targeting Russia's economy over its war in Ukraine, and criticized President Trump's announcement that Russia would supply U.S. and global markets with diesel. "Trump was never going to sanction Russia. He's going to refill Putin’s coffers and get an oil deal done to enrich his cronies," Himes wrote.
The FBI has not responded to the letter or confirmed Patel's travel plans. The Atlantic reported on Oct. 9 that Patel has sought closer ties with Moscow since taking over the bureau in February 2025, raising concerns within the FBI due to the Kremlin's aggressive intelligence operations. The Washington Post reported in February 2025 that Patel had previously received $25,000 in 2024 from a film company run by pro-Kremlin filmmaker Igor Lopatonok. U.S. national security expert Evelyn Farkas described Patel as one of Trump's "yes men."