Dan Bongino, a prominent right-wing podcaster known for his vehement critiques of the media, Democrats, and the federal government, has experienced a surprising turn in his career. Despite his frequent criticisms, the 50-year-old, who is a former New York police officer and U.S. Secret Service agent, has been tapped by President Donald Trump to serve as the deputy FBI director. Announcing his decision on Monday, Bongino revealed his plans to leave his daily podcast to assume this new role.
Though Bongino lacks any prior experience within the FBI, he is not short on opinions regarding its operations. His podcast often reflects these views, particularly expressing allegiance to FBI Director Kash Patel, under whom he will serve. Bongino has voiced his desire for sweeping reforms within the agency, advocating for the removal of staff he deems politically motivated and a shift in focus away from domestic extremism.
Bongino has been vocal about his admiration for Patel, considering him the only viable candidate capable of reforming the FBI. Even before Patel’s nomination, Bongino ardently supported his appointment, asserting Patel’s readiness and capability as a transformative leader for the bureau. He even mobilized his audience, whom he terms his “Bongino Army,” to advocate for Patel’s confirmation by contacting their senators. Bongino believes Patel’s leadership is essential for any accountability within the FBI.
His harsh criticism is not reserved solely for past leadership but extends to current FBI employees as well. Bongino has been known to denounce former leaders like Christopher Wray and Andrew McCabe, labeling them negatively due to their roles in various investigations. His critiques extend to current staff, whom he suspects of undermining conservative agendas. Despite previous affiliations with the government as a Secret Service agent, Bongino insists he always performed his duties without political bias.
Bongino is eager for immediate and significant changes within the FBI, especially with a Republican majority in government. He calls for the dismissal of agents involved in investigations against Trump, arguing such probes were not constitutionally motivated. He supports the Justice Department’s demand for an FBI list of agents involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot investigations, seeing it as a potential precursor to necessary terminations.
Moreover, Bongino feels the FBI’s focus has been misplaced on domestic intelligence rather than more pressing criminal threats. He criticizes the agency for spending resources on domestic cases like the January 6 rioters and actions against school board protestors, enveloping them in his broader narrative of overreach against conservative interests. Bongino seeks a reconfigured FBI prioritizing genuine counterterrorism efforts and believes the current focus undermines national security.
In addition, Bongino’s drive for reform within the FBI is partially rooted in personal experiences. He has shared anecdotes about his youthful admiration for the agency, lamenting its perceived decline from the organization he once aspired to join. His advocacy for change is fueled by a desire to restore what he views as lost credibility and trustworthiness.
