Concerns about the future of the FBI have escalated following Donald Trump’s announcement that far-right podcaster Dan Bongino, who has no prior experience within the bureau, will take on the role of deputy director.
Bongino, a former New York police officer and Secret Service agent who provided security details for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, is widely recognized as a conservative commentator who has fervently backed Trump’s unfounded claims regarding the 2020 presidential election being stolen.
His appointment as deputy under the newly confirmed director, Kash Patel, signifies a historic moment, as it is the first time in the FBI’s 117-year history that the deputy director position has not been filled by one of its senior agents.
This development has amplified worries—already prevalent following Patel’s confirmation as director—that the administration intends to utilize the bureau for targeting political adversaries.
“Donald Trump has appointed far-right MAGA podcaster Dan Bongino, a well-known conspiracy theorist who has propagated the falsehood that the 2020 election was ‘stolen,’ as Deputy Director of the FBI. God help us all,” tweeted the X account Republicans Against Trump.
Gregg Nunziata, a Republican and former general counsel to Marco Rubio, cautioned that Bongino represents a more extreme choice than Patel, who has characterized the bureau as an extension of a so-called “deep state” aimed at undermining Trump, and has vowed to transform the FBI’s Washington headquarters into a museum.
“Kash Patel should have been a line that could not be crossed. Bongino is what happens when [Republican] Senators do not fulfill their responsibilities and refuse to oppose Patel,” Nunziata expressed.
“The Trump administration is handing federal law enforcement over to unqualified, unethical, partisan operatives. This is intolerable, and conservatives need to communicate this.”
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy remarked: “Trump has selected con artists to head the FBI. Dan Bongino’s entire show revolves around scaring listeners into purchasing the numerous survivalist products he markets. I realize this seems like a nightmare, but it’s not.”
Trump announced Bongino’s new role in a post on his Truth Social platform late Sunday night, deeming it “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice!”
The president lauded Bongino—who has made three unsuccessful attempts as a Republican candidate in congressional elections in Maryland and Florida—as “a man of incredible love and passion for our country,” and mentioned that he is stepping down from his role as “one of the most successful podcasters in the country” to take this position.
Nonetheless, Bongino’s qualifications have been questioned, as the deputy director traditionally oversees the bureau’s everyday enforcement activities.
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The FBI Agents Association, which represents many bureau agents, previously informed its members that it had secured an agreement from Patel that his deputy director “should continue to be an onboard, active Special Agent, as has been the norm for 117 years for several compelling reasons, including operational expertise and experience, as well as the trust of our Special Agent population.”
Bongino, a former Fox News host, has, like his superior Patel, authored books alleging the presence of a “deep state” conspiracy against Trump. In 2018, he stated: “My entire life right now is about owning the libs.”
His appointment was met with enthusiasm from Trump supporters.
“This is fantastic news!! Thank you @dbongino for your service. I know this is in service to our country. America just received a massive upgrade,” tweeted Charlie Kirk, the conservative provocateur and founder of Turning Point USA.
Bongino’s appointment raises questions about the future of senior bureau agents Brian Driscoll and Robert Kissane, who have been acting director and acting deputy while Patel was awaiting confirmation.
The two had previously refused to comply with a request from the administration to provide the names of thousands of agents involved in the investigation of the January 6, 2021, insurrection, when a violent mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol in an unsuccessful attempt to overturn the 2020 election.
