Alexis Wilkins, the 27-year-old country singer who is dating FBI Director Kash Patel, is pushing back against suggestions that her relationship helped land her a prominent performance slot.
Wilkins was named this week as a “feature performer” for the grand opening of the Great American State Fair on the National Mall, prompting criticism from some who questioned whether her political connections and romance with Patel, who is nearly two decades older than her, played a role in the booking.
The singer has also rejected claims that she is being compensated with taxpayer money after being added to an event connected to Freedom 250, a Trump-aligned organization that had already faced turmoil when much of its concert lineup fell apart.
“I was invited to sing this anthem on my own accord, as I have been many other places throughout my career,” Wilkins wrote on social media in response to one critic. “I am not accepting payment for this great honor.”
The Great American State Fair became a flashpoint earlier this year after Freedom 250 announced a slate of musical performers, only to see the lineup rapidly unravel.
Acts initially linked to the event included Bret Michaels, The Commodores, Martina McBride and others, but within days of the announcement, nearly all of the performers had withdrawn.
Several of the cancellations were tied to concerns over Freedom 250’s association with the Trump administration. The group has been involved in efforts centered on celebrating the nation’s birthday.
After the wave of withdrawals, President Donald Trump said he would appear at the fair’s opening ceremony and deliver remarks, bringing even more attention to the National Mall event.
‘I get to sing the national anthem on the opening of our nation’s 250th birthday, and that in and of itself, no matter the administration, should be really a universal honor,’ Wilkins told the Daily Mail. ‘So I’m really looking forward to doing it, of course, very honored that I was asked.’
Country music singer Alexis Wilkins has been dating FBI Director Kash Patel for about three years
Wilkins was booked to sing at the Great American State Fair opening ceremony on Wednesday, but many critics accused her of getting the gig, in part, because of her boyfriend. Others accused her of taking taxpayer money, though she clarified she’s not getting paid for the gig
Wilkins has been a singer for many years and averages around 5,600 monthly listeners on Spotify
In a defiant tone, the 27-year-old country music singer said she’s been going after those who sow rumors about her.
‘I am happy to correct the narrative when it gets completely off the rails,’ she said in a phone call.
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‘I have been a country music artist for years now. I have had a successful career in both music and commentary/strategy. People don’t get to negate that for clicks or headlines.’
Wilkins and Patel have frequently been in the news during Trump’s second term.
Namely, the two have been reported to use Patel’s government-provided jet to travel around together, which the FBI has defended, noting the director must fly on the jet due to security precautions.
Online critics have also baselessly accused Wilkins of being a ‘honeypot,’ to which she has responded with lawsuits.
Kyle M Seraphin is one of the many online voices who has pushed a ‘honey pot’ Israeli spy narrative about Wilkins. She has since sued Seraphin for $5 million, claiming defamation.
Speaking previously to the Daily Mail, she denied the allegations, noting how, during two of the three years she’s been dating Patel, he was not the FBI boss.
Preparation work for the Freedom 250 Great American State Fair continues on the National Mall. The fair will fill the mall with 150 exhibits from all 50 states and territories from June 25 to July 10
Trump supporters gather to be first in line ahead of Trump’s participation in the opening ceremony launching the Great American State Fair, part of celebrations for the 250th anniversary of US Independence, on the National Mall in Washington, June 24, 2026
As for the 19-year age gap between her and Patel, it’s not uncommon in Trump’s orbit.
‘There are a lot of people in this administration with age differences. There are a lot of people out there with age differences,’ she said previously.
A flyover is planned for the Wednesday evening kickoff ceremony for the fair.
It is expected to include F-16s, F-35As and America’s iconic long-range stealth bomber used recently against Iran, the B-2 Spirit.
Singer of the Trump rally anthem ‘God Bless the USA, ‘ Lee Greenwood, and opera singer Christopher Macchio are also expected to perform on Wednesday evening.
The fair will last until July 10 and feature a booth from all 50 US states and six territories. These pavilions will offer food and souvenirs ranging from Texas barbecue to Alaskan ice carvings and a Hawaiian hula hooping area.
There is also a 110-foot Ferris Wheel on the National Mall adorned with lights for the two-week spectacle.
