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President Donald Trump has appointed a former Secret Service agent and well-known conservative podcaster, Dan Bongino, as the new deputy director of the FBI, leading to criticism from some US lawmakers.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Bongino is a well-known conservative podcaster and former Secret Service agent who has built a following with his outspoken commentary. On his show, “The Dan Bongino Show,” he frequently targets democrats and mainstream media. He has also been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump, often echoing claims about election fraud and criticizing investigations into Trump as politically motivated.
What’s going on now: In an announcement on Truth Social, Trump revealed that Bongino would be the next deputy director of the FBI, calling him a “patriot” with “incredible love and passion for our Country.” Trump praised Bongino’s background in law enforcement and highlighted his willingness to give up his popular podcast, stating, “He is willing and prepared to give up ‘The Dan Bongino Show‘ in order to serve.” As deputy director, Bongino will oversee day-to-day FBI operations, coordinate investigations, and manage intelligence matters across the bureau’s 55 field offices, effectively acting as the agency’s chief operations officer for its 38,000 employees.
The appointment has sparked significant criticism from some US lawmakers who are concerned about Bongino’s political leanings and lack of FBI experience. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) said, “Selecting another right-wing Fox personality and internet troll — Dan Bongino — as Deputy FBI Director means two things: Trump installs another loyalist who won’t say no to any immoral or unethical act. And our law enforcement agencies — and the public safety — are further degraded.” Similarly, Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) labeled Bongino “a conspiracy theorist with zero FBI experience,” questioning his qualifications for such a crucial role in federal law enforcement.
The decision also drew backlash from within the FBI, as the FBI Agents Association expressed disappointment over the departure from a century-long tradition of appointing career agents to the position. Concerns have been raised about whether Bongino’s partisan background could undermine the FBI’s independence and credibility, which conservatives argue has already been damaged under the Biden administration.
Despite this, Bongino has pledged to support FBI agents and uphold the agency’s values, stating, “I’m here to work. I’m here to lead. And I’m here to ensure that America’s law enforcement institutions uphold the values and integrity they were built upon.”
