President Donald Trump has officially announced the appointment of Dan Bongino as the new deputy director of the FBI, marking a significant shift for the agency. Trump, lauding Bongino's passion for the country, claimed he embodies the qualities needed to help restore fairness, justice, law, and order to America.
The appointment was declared during a press statement on Sunday night, where Trump described Bongino, 50, as not only a highly respected former U.S. Secret Service agent but also as one of the nation’s most prominent podcasters, running "The Dan Bongino Show," which ranks 56th on Spotify's podcast charts. Trump emphasized Bongino’s willingness to leave his successful media career behind to serve under FBI Director Kash Patel, another vocal Trump loyalist.
With previous experience guarding Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, Bongino has transitioned through various roles, including failed candidacies for congressional seats. His podcast career has been marked by strong criticism of the federal government and unique views on the FBI, which he now seeks to reform from within.
"My career has always been about service," Bongino said following his appointment, expressing his dedication to leading the FBI with integrity. This commitment is noteworthy considering Bongino’s previous statements about the FBI and its leadership. He has made headlines for his inflammatory commentary, often categorizing the agency’s past directors as incompetent.
Indeed, the rhetoric surrounding Bongino extends well beyond mere criticism. According to his podcast, he considers former FBI Director Christopher Wray and Andrew McCabe, former deputy director, as individuals who have significantly harmed the agency’s reputation.
Bongino has not shied away from sharing his intent to steer the FBI away from what he describes as politically motivated investigations, especially those targeting conservatives. He has voiced his belief—that the FBI should refocus on serious crimes and threats rather than what he perceives as petty political targets. "We are going to make the FBI great again," Bongino declared, critiquing what he sees as misplaced priorities within the agency.
His calls for sweeping changes include firing agents involved with former investigations of Trump, illustrating his commitment to what he views as the integrity of the FBI's original mission. "If you engaged in a tyrannical investigation against Donald Trump, you do not deserve your job," he has stated, highlighting his intent to prioritize legitimacy over partisanship within the Bureau.
Bongino’s relationship with Patel, which he has actively promoted through his podcast rhetoric, positions him as both protector and reformer. He previously urged his audience to pressure senators to support Patel’s confirmation, declaring, "If we don’t get this guy at the FBI, you’re never going to get any answers at all." This aligns with his belief in Patel’s capability to lead necessary reforms at the FBI and address corruption allegations.
Despite his lack of direct experience within the FBI, Bongino remains confident about his ability to effect change. He often refers to himself as part of the "Bongino Army" and rallies this following around calls for transparency and accountability within federal law enforcement. He argues passionately against what he perceives as biases and misapplications of agency efforts, particularly focusing on the FBI’s handling of political matters concerning the Trump administration.
Underlying Bongino’s ambitions seems to be his personal connection to the agency; he has nostalgic memories of wanting to be an FBI agent from his youth, absent the distrust he now associates with its current reputation. "Whatever the FBI says these days, I tend to believe the opposite," he reflected, signaling his dissatisfaction with the agency he once aspired to join.
Overall, Dan Bongino’s appointment could mark a new chapter for the FBI, signaling potential internal reforms driven by the leadership of President Trump and the newly appointed Kash Patel, with Bongino playing a pivotal role. His transition from podcasting pundit to deputy director encapsulates not only his personal evolution but also showcases the shifting dynamics within federal law enforcement highlighted by partisan politics.
The appointment of Bongino has already stirred reactions across the political spectrum, with critics expressing concern over his qualifications and proposed reforms. Nevertheless, Bongino remains outspoken about the dire need for change at the FBI, echoing themes of accountability as he steps significantly back from his successful media career.
While Bongino has succeeded in rallying support from his base, the broader question remains: will his unorthodox path prove beneficial for the FBI's credibility and operations, or will it exacerbate existing divides? Only time will tell as he begins his tenure during a particularly contentious political climate.