In a significant move within the Trump administration, Dan Bongino has been appointed as the new FBI deputy director. Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and prominent conservative commentator, has garnered a vast following with his vocal support for President Trump, though he has faced bans from platforms for promoting misinformation.
At 50, Bongino hosts a popular syndicated radio show and podcast that was ranked among the top in the U.S. last January. Trump recently announced Bongino’s appointment, stating that he is “willing and prepared” to give up his show to serve in this capacity.
“This is great news for law enforcement and American justice!” Trump remarked, adding that Bongino is “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country,” and he expressed confidence in the selection of Kash Patel as the new FBI director.
The role of deputy director, typically filled by a career agent, raises questions as Bongino has no prior experience with the FBI, although he served in the New York City police department.
Bongino has been a vigorous defender of Patel, asserting that Patel’s commitment is to restore the FBI’s reputation. “Without a credible deterrent to espionage and terrorism, we will not survive as a nation,” he emphasized in a recent podcast episode.
Patel himself, confirmed as FBI director despite concerns about his ties to Trump, is expected to enact changes to an agency often criticized by conservatives.
While Bongino requires no Senate confirmation for his position, his insights and strategies will significantly shape the FBI’s operations and public perception.
Bongino’s Background
Bongino’s career began in the NYPD in 1995, and he later joined the U.S. Secret Service, where he provided protection to Presidents Bush and Obama. With an MBA from Penn State, he has also pursued politics, including Senate and congressional bids, although without success.
Increasingly focused on media, Bongino began a podcast that has seen meteoric growth, credited to his law enforcement experience and his alignment with conservative viewpoints, particularly in support of Trump.
In addition to his podcast, Bongino has produced several books addressing his Secret Service tenures and his critiques of the “deep state,” solidifying his presence in conservative media. However, he has also faced scrutiny for disseminating conspiracy theories and misinformation, particularly surrounding the 2020 election and COVID-19 pandemic alike.
Notably, he was permanently banned from a major video platform in 2022 for violating misinformation policies related to pandemic protocols, and his website has seen ad revenue challenged due to these controversies.
Bongino’s comments regarding the FBI have evolved, with him labeling the agency as “irreparably corrupt” during a past broadcast. He argues for substantial reform, expressing a commitment to restoring trust among the American public.
