WASHINGTON — Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and a noted conservative commentator, has been appointed as the new deputy director of the FBI. Bongino, who has also authored several best-selling books and hosted a successful podcast, gained prominence in political circles after running for various offices without success. President Donald Trump shared the decision on his Truth Social platform, commending Bongino for his deep commitment to the nation and hailing the appointment as a positive development for law enforcement and the justice system in America.
This appointment positions two of Trump’s staunch supporters at the helm of the FBI during a period of heightened concern among Democrats about potential retaliatory actions against political opponents. Bongino will work under Kash Patel, who was recently sworn in as the FBI director. Patel has expressed his determination to reform the agency, which includes transferring numerous employees from its Washington base and enhancing the focus on traditional crime-fighting responsibilities.
Typically, the deputy director of the FBI acts as the second-in-command, overseeing the day-to-day law enforcement operations of the bureau. At 49 years old, Bongino previously managed presidential security details for Barack Obama and George W. Bush before rising to fame within the right-wing political domain. He is particularly known for spreading misinformation related to the 2020 election and has been a leading figure in the Make America Great Again movement.
After the passing of Rush Limbaugh in 2021, Bongino took over his radio time slot, solidifying his presence in conservative media. He worked for the New York Police Department early in his career before joining the Secret Service. Over a decade ago, he began providing political commentary on Fox News, later hosting a Saturday show on the network until 2023. He currently leads The Dan Bongino Show, which has gained a significant following on platforms like Spotify.
In addition to his media endeavors, Bongino campaigned for a Senate seat in Maryland in 2012 and pursued congressional positions in the succeeding congressional races of 2014 and 2016 after relocating to Florida in 2015, but he was unsuccessful in all three attempts.
Last fall, during an interview, Bongino urged Trump to create a commission aimed at reforming the Secret Service, labeling it a “failed” institution and criticizing it for two assassination attempts involving Trump. He recounted an incident regarding a man who was allegedly found with a rifle outside Trump’s golf course, emphasizing that the individual should never have been able to approach him.
In the same interview, Trump commended the Secret Service agent who managed to detect the dangerous situation when the rifle was spotted protruding from a bush. This incident illustrates the ongoing discussions around the effectiveness and reform of the Secret Service, which may come under scrutiny during Bongino’s new role.
