Why is Kash Patel's girlfriend being dragged into the Epstein file controversy? Honeypot conspiracy theory explained

The unsealing of the Jeffrey Epstein files, which many in Donald Trump's MAGA base eagerly awaited, ended with few discoveries. Court papers expected to uncover famous names or shocking claims instead provided already-known facts. They confirmed Epstein's death as suicide and the absence of a hidden "client list." The lack of new information has sparked fresh conspiracy ideas.

I would not be surprised if this is true:

Kash Patel's girlfriend Alexis Wilkins is allegedly a Mossad agent. She's 20 years younger than him and is accused of being a honeypot.

It's in her interest to suppress the Epstein files to protect very powerful people. pic.twitter.com/WpA2cNBKwN

— KT "Special MI6 Operation" (@KremlinTrolls) July 10, 2025

One of the most talked-about involves Trump-picked FBI Director Kash Patel and his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins. Wilkins, a 26-year-old country singer and right-wing commentator, became the center of online guesswork after a popular post on X (once called Twitter) on July 10. The post hinted she might play a role in a secret intelligence job.

This idea known as the "honeypot" theory, borrows from spy history where love affairs served as ways to gather intel and sway people. Three main factors give this theory its drive. First is the age difference between Patel, 45, and Wilkins. Some people wondered about how they relate to each other, noting their almost 20-year gap and Patel's controversial public image. Second is Wilkins' link to PragerU, a right-wing media group where she often speaks.

Alexis Wilkins responds to honeypot allegations amid Epstein file fallout

Alexis Wilkins has publicly responded to the honeypot allegations, though she did not mention any specific accounts. In a statement shared on social media, she said:

“I’ve spent my career saying no to anything that would compromise my character and working to restore America. It’s disappointing to see people with no real contribution to political discourse spin ridiculous conspiracy theories out of thin air. These accusations are obviously insanely ridiculous and coming from accounts that are farming because their engagement dried up after Trump’s win.”

She added:

“I would encourage anyone interested to actually research the facts of my life — they’re readily available. My happy relationship, my work, my Christian faith, and my integrity speak for themselves.”

The organization's CEO, Marissa Streit, previously served in Israeli military intelligence, and conspiracy theorists have used this connection to infer a potential link to foreign intelligence networks. Third, Patel’s historical stance on the Epstein case has drawn additional attention. Before his FBI appointment, he had been outspoken in calling for full disclosure of Epstein’s network. His more recent stance aligning with the Justice Department’s conclusion has been viewed by some as inconsistent.

The theory suggests Wilkins might be a Mossad agent tasked to sway Patel. Yet, no confirmed proof backs up this idea. The guess seems to come more from loose connections and frustration with the Epstein file results than from solid intel. PragerU, often mentioned in the story, is a media group started in 2009 that makes conservative learning videos. While not a real college, it has a big online reach.

People who believe in conspiracies often point to the background of its leaders Streit's time in military intelligence, to back up their claims of secret ties. Kash Patel spoke out a lot in 2022 and 2023 about exposing Epstein's supposed network. But when he became FBI Director in 2025, his message changed. He started to agree with what the Justice Department was saying - that the released files don't have any new leads to follow. This switch has made some people think Patel has done a U-turn.

The honeypot idea shows how unmet hopes about public information can lead to different stories. This happens when important people change what they say in public or when we can't get clear answers.