WASHINGTON — Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent who has authored several bestselling books, attempted to run for office, and gained notoriety as a conservative commentator through various television shows and a widely-followed podcast, has been appointed as the deputy director of the FBI.
President Donald Trump made the announcement via a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday evening, commending Bongino as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” Trump described the news as “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.”
This appointment places two close allies of Trump at the helm of the nation’s foremost federal law enforcement agency, amid concerns from Democrats that the president may attempt to target political opponents. Bongino will operate under Kash Patel, who was sworn in as the FBI director just days prior at the White House. Patel has expressed his aim to reform the bureau by shifting hundreds of employees from the Washington headquarters while focusing more on the agency’s core crime-fighting roles.
In the role of deputy director, Bongino will act as the second-in-command of the FBI, a position traditionally held by a career agent responsible for the agency’s daily law enforcement activities.
At 49, Bongino has an extensive background, having been part of the presidential protective details for both Barack Obama and George W. Bush before emerging as a notable figure in the conservative movement. He rose to prominence within the Make America Great Again initiative, often spreading controversial claims regarding the 2020 presidential election.
Following the passing of Rush Limbaugh in 2021, Bongino was given the opportunity to host a radio show in Limbaugh’s former time slot.
Bongino’s career began with the New York Police Department from 1997 to 1999, after which he joined the Secret Service. Over a decade ago, he began providing political commentary on Fox News and hosted a Saturday night show with the network from 2021 to 2023. Currently, he runs The Dan Bongino Show, which ranks among the top podcasts on platforms like Spotify.
His political aspirations included a run for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland in 2012 and subsequent congressional campaigns in 2014 and 2016 in both Maryland and Florida, after relocating in 2015. Unfortunately, he faced defeat in all three attempts.
In a conversation last fall, Bongino urged Trump to establish a commission aimed at reforming the Secret Service, labeling it a “failed” agency and criticizing its handling of two assassination attempts in the previous year.
“That guy should have been nowhere near you,” Bongino remarked about an individual who allegedly camped outside Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, prior to being seen armed with a rifle.
During the same discussion, Trump commended the Secret Service agent who managed to spot the rifle’s barrel emerging from a bush.
