U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed podcaster and staunch ally Dan Bongino as the deputy director of the FBI. Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and NYPD officer, is well known for his strong conservative views and vocal support of Trump. His appointment, announced by Trump on social media, has sparked debate due to his lack of FBI experience and his history of promoting conspiracy theories.
Bongino will serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel, another close Trump associate who has been critical of the agency in the past. The move effectively places two Trump loyalists at the helm of the country’s top law enforcement body, an agency traditionally led by career officials with deep experience in federal investigations.
Bongino’s appointment does not require Senate confirmation, making it a straightforward decision for Trump. In his social media post, Trump praised Bongino as a man of “incredible love and passion for our country” and claimed he would help restore “fairness, justice, law, and order” at the FBI. However, critics argue that his selection is another step toward reshaping the agency to align with Trump’s political vision.
For years, Bongino has used his platform on “The Dan Bongino Show” to advance pro-Trump narratives, including false claims about the 2020 election. His social media influence is significant, often surpassing major news outlets in engagement. However, his history of attacking the FBI and Department of Justice raises concerns about his ability to impartially oversee the agency’s domestic and international operations.
On a recent podcast episode, Bongino sought to reassure skeptics, stating that Patel is committed to fighting crime and not pursuing political agendas. He also criticized what he called the “woke culture” within federal agencies, vowing to support a “high-quality, reformed FBI” that focuses on criminal investigations rather than diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
Bongino’s political career includes three failed congressional runs, but his media presence has kept him relevant in conservative circles. His frequent clashes with liberals, including author Stephen King, and his aggressive rhetoric have fueled concerns that his leadership style may not be conducive to the traditionally independent role of FBI leadership.
With Patel and Bongino now in charge, the FBI faces an uncertain future, with critics warning of potential politicization while Trump supporters celebrate what they see as a long-overdue reform.
