Kash Patel, the Director of the FBI, recently announced a decision to abandon plans for a new headquarters, which was projected to cost nearly $5 billion and not be completed until 2035. Instead, he stated that the FBI would move to the existing Ronald Reagan Building, which is already undergoing necessary safety and infrastructure upgrades. This announcement was made on social media, where Patel emphasized the financial savings for taxpayers.

The FBI has operated from the J. Edgar Hoover Building since 1974, and Patel did not provide a timeline for when the transition to the Reagan Building would be completed. The FBI has not disclosed the anticipated savings from this move compared to constructing a new facility.

Patel's announcement comes shortly after he faced criticism for his spending habits, including the purchase of luxury BMW vehicles for his use, which reportedly cost the FBI significantly more than traditional Chevrolet Suburbans typically used by FBI directors. Reports indicate that Patel ordered four high-end BMW X5 models, each costing approximately $250,000, while the price of a basic Chevrolet Suburban is around $63,000.

Additionally, Patel has been scrutinized for using a taxpayer-funded FBI jet for personal travel to various events, including sports matches and concerts, and for allegedly directing FBI agents to provide personal security for his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins. Prior to his directorship, Patel criticized his predecessor for similar practices, highlighting a potential inconsistency in his approach to the use of FBI resources. He had also proposed the purchase of a new plane for the FBI, which was ultimately deemed too expensive and was not pursued.