Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative commentator, has been appointed as the new deputy director of the FBI by US President Donald Trump. The announcement was made on Trump's Truth Social platform and has drawn attention due to Bongino's background in law enforcement and his strong political ties. Bongino, 50, served with the New York police department before joining the Secret Service, where he worked on the protective details of Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. After leaving government service, he transitioned to political commentary, becoming one of the most influential voices in right-wing media. His podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, regularly garners more engagement on social media than mainstream outlets like Fox News and CNN.
Trump hailed Bongino’s appointment as “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.” He praised the commentator’s dedication to the country and highlighted his willingness to step away from his highly successful podcast to take on the role. “Dan has a Masters Degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y., and an MBA from Penn State. He was a member of the New York Police Department (New York’s Finest!), a highly respected Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, and is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve,” Trump wrote.
Bongino responded to the appointment on social media, saying, “Thank you Mr President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel.” A loyal Trump ally, Bongino has long been a vocal supporter of Trump and has been active within the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. He ran unsuccessfully for Congress three times, and his podcast often features titles mocking liberals, such as “Trump Keeps Delivering And The Libs Are Seething.”
The significance of Bongino’s appointment lies not only in his personal views but also the fact it places two Trump loyalists at the top of the FBI. Kash Patel, who was confirmed as FBI director last week, is another close ally of the President. Trump described Patel as “the best ever Director” and indicated he, Bongino, and attorney general Pam Bondi would restore “Fairness, Justice, Law and Order” swiftly.
The role of deputy director traditionally requires Senate confirmation and is typically filled by longstanding career agents from within the FBI. Bongino's appointment breaks this tradition, ensuring he will take up the role immediately. Patel has vowed to “clean up” the agency and has dismissed concerns about using the FBI as a tool against political opponents. Bongino, meanwhile, has been openly skeptical of the FBI’s handling of investigations, especially surrounding the 2020 election.
Beyond law enforcement, Bongino has gained notoriety as a combative political figure. He's clashed with critics, including famous author Stephen King. His influence peaked following the death of Rush Limbaugh, and he's been compared to the late radio host. Despite his media success, Bongino has remained politically active, most recently calling for reforms to the Secret Service and criticizing its performance amid security lapses involving President Trump.
Some Democrats have raised alarms about the politicization of the FBI under the Trump administration. Bongino's supporters, conversely, view his appointment as a step toward restoring the bureau’s credibility. Trump expressed full confidence, stating on his platform, “What an incredible job Dan will do!!!”
Rumblings of discontent within the FBI indicate concerns about the new leadership. Some officials note Bongino lacks experience managing the bureau's operations, which traditionally include overseeing its special agents and field offices. A memo from the FBI Agents Association also expressed the need for the deputy director role to be filled by someone with direct agency experience. The memo stated, “The FBI Deputy Director should continue to be an on-board, active Special Agent — as has been the case for 117 years for many compelling reasons, including operational expertise and experience, as well as the trust of our Special Agent population.”
During his time as director, Patel has faced significant turnover. This is evident from the exodus of heads within the FBI following the January 6 probe, raising concerns about stability within the agency. A spokesperson for Patel insisted he is highly qualified and mentioned, “Kash Patel is a highly qualified national security expert who has been fully transparent with the American people throughout this process and has demonstrated the integrity and leadership needed for this role.”
Trump previously indicated plans to fire certain FBI personnel who were involved during the investigations concerning the Capitol riot, signaling potential turbulence within the agency's ranks. Such mass layoffs could alter how investigations are handled moving forward.