Who is Alexis Wilkins? FBI director Kash Patel's girlfriend
What's the story
Kash Patel was sworn in as the ninth director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on Friday in the presence of his family and girlfriend.
The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, where US Attorney General Pam Bondi administered the oath.
Patel's confirmation by the US Senate was a close call, passing with a narrow margin of 51 to 49 votes.
Spotlight shift
Patel's girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, gains attention at ceremony
Patel's girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins, stole the spotlight at the swearing-in ceremony.
The 26-year-old country singer from Nashville is a prominent figure in conservative media and politics as a speaker.
She works as a press secretary for Republican representative Abraham Hamade and is a contributor at PragerU, a platform that promotes American values through educational content.
Career and relationship
Wilkins's diverse career and relationship with Patel
Wilkins was mostly raised in Arkansas, after spending her early years in England and Switzerland. She studied business and political science at Nashville's Belmont University.
Her musical career includes opening acts for artists like Sara Evans and Lee Greenwood.
Patel, who was born in New York to Gujarati parents, has forged a distinguished career in law and national security. He was appointed by US President Donald Trump as FBI Director.
Love story
Patel and Wilkins's relationship timeline
Patel and Wilkins first met at a conservative ReAwaken America event in October 2022.
They started dating in January 2023 and have been together for more than two years now according to British tabloid Daily Mail.
The couple intends to move to Washington, DC together according to the same source.