This was a surprising but great move!
Dan Bongino’s hiring as Deputy FBI Director marks a bold departure from the tradition of appointing someone with direct law enforcement experience to lead the bureau. Instead, Bongino, a former Fox News host and current podcast personality, is now set to join Kash Patel in overseeing the FBI. While Bongino’s lack of conventional FBI experience raises some eyebrows, his career path and influence within conservative circles cannot be ignored.
At 50 years old, Bongino brings a wealth of experience in law enforcement, having served in the NYPD before getting hired to the U.S. Secret Service, where he worked on the presidential protection detail for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. His career took a turn when he began offering commentary on Fox News over a decade ago. In 2021, he even hosted his own show on the network until 2023. Despite his experience in law enforcement, Bongino’s political career has been more tumultuous, having lost three races for Senate and Congress in Maryland and Florida.
Nonetheless, Bongino’s rise to prominence has come through his podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, which has become one of Spotify’s most popular podcasts. As a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump, Bongino has become a key figure in the MAGA movement, particularly in the aftermath of the 2020 election. He’s often promoted unsubstantiated claims about voter fraud and has criticized the FBI for what he sees as its corruption, including questioning the bureau’s handling of the investigation into the 2021 Capitol riot.
Trump’s endorsement of Bongino’s appointment was swift and enthusiastic, calling him a “man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” The former president, who has been vocal in his disdain for the FBI’s actions, particularly after the investigation into the Mar-a-Lago raid, has made it clear that he believes Bongino’s leadership will restore fairness, justice, and law and order to the nation.
Critics, however, express concern over Bongino’s lack of experience and his history of promoting conspiracy theories. The FBI Agents Association has raised doubts about his suitability for the role, citing the importance of operational expertise in running the FBI. Still, Bongino’s staunch conservative stance and his commitment to Trump’s agenda have earned him unwavering support from the right.
As the new Deputy FBI Director, Bongino and Patel will have significant challenges ahead. While some question their qualifications, their leadership reflects a broader shift towards a more politically driven approach to the FBI, particularly under a new Trump administration. It’s clear that Bongino’s appointment signals a new chapter for the bureau, one that will likely be shaped by conservative values and a commitment to reasserting control over the nation’s law enforcement institutions.