Trump Appoints Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director Amid Concerns of Politicization

2025-03-03

President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, as the deputy director of the FBI. Bongino, a staunch Trump ally, will serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel. The announcement, made via social media, praised Bongino as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” Both Bongino and Patel lack prior FBI experience, a departure from the traditional career-agent background of the bureau’s leadership.

Bongino, 50, previously worked for the New York Police Department and the Secret Service, where he served on the presidential details for Barack Obama and George W. Bush. He later became a prominent right-wing figure, hosting The Dan Bongino Show, a popular podcast and radio program. His appointment has raised concerns among critics about the potential politicization of the FBI, particularly given his history of promoting false claims about the 2020 election and allegations of government overreach.

The FBI is currently undergoing significant internal changes, including the forced resignation of senior officials and scrutiny over investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Bongino has pledged to “re-establish faith in this institution,” emphasizing that the FBI “belongs to the American people.” He has also vowed to focus on traditional crime-fighting duties and reform the agency, aiming to eliminate what he describes as “woke culture” and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) initiatives.

Bongino’s appointment comes amid broader efforts by the Trump administration to reshape federal law enforcement. Patel, the new FBI director, has signaled plans to restructure the bureau, including relocating personnel and refocusing on core law enforcement responsibilities. Both Patel and Bongino are seen as loyalists to Trump, raising questions about the future independence of the FBI.

Bongino has been a vocal critic of former President Barack Obama, linking him to various political scandals, including the Hillary Clinton email controversy and allegations of election interference. His combative style and alignment with Trump’s political agenda have made him a polarizing figure in American politics. As deputy director, Bongino will oversee the FBI’s daily operations, a role traditionally held by career agents with extensive bureau experience.

The appointment has sparked debate about the direction of the FBI under Trump’s leadership, with supporters arguing that Bongino and Patel will “restore justice” and critics warning of potential political bias in federal law enforcement. Bongino has stated he will step away from his podcast to focus on his new role, signaling a shift from media commentary to public service.

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