Ex-secret service agent and podcaster Dan Bongino becomes deputy director FBI

Dan Bongino, a former agent of the Secret Service and a right-wing conservative media personality, has been appointed deputy director of the FBI by President Donald Trump. Bongino, 50, brings a unique blend of law enforcement experience and political commentary to his new role.

With Bongino’s appointment, announced on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump has placed two of his allies at the helm of the FBI. Previously, Kash Patel was appointed as the FBI director. This move underscores Trump’s influence over the federal investigation service, which has been under significant scrutiny in recent years.

Bongino’s career is a blend of law enforcement and media. He worked for the Secret Service in the 1990s and later served as a New York City police officer. Over a decade ago, he transitioned into conservative political commentary, first on Fox News and later as the host of The Dan Bongino Show, a popular podcast on Spotify. His media presence has made him a prominent figure in conservative circles, known for his outspoken views and frequent criticism of the political establishment.

Bongino’s political aspirations have also been notable. He ran for Congress in Maryland and Florida in 2014, 2015, and 2016, but all his attempts were unsuccessful. Despite these setbacks, his political involvement has continued, often aligning with Trump’s agenda.

Bongino served under both George W. Bush and Barack Obama during his tenure at the Secret Service. Throughout his media career, he has frequently criticized the organization’s performance, labeling it as a “failed” agency. This criticism has been amplified by recent events, including two attack attempts on Trump in 2024.

In a fall interview with Trump, Bongino urged the president to establish a committee to reform the Secret Service. He highlighted the agency’s failures, particularly in light of the two recent attack attempts on Trump. In July, Trump was nearly shot during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania. In September, a man was arrested for hiding with a weapon at a golf course where Trump was playing.

These incidents have raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the Secret Service and have led to calls for significant reforms. Bongino’s appointment as deputy director of the FBI could signal a shift in the agency’s approach to security and investigations, particularly in light of Trump’s stated goal of radically reforming the security services.

With Bongino and Patel at the helm, the FBI is now more closely aligned with Trump’s political agenda. Both have indicated their support for Trump’s plans to overhaul the security services, which could have far-reaching implications for federal law enforcement and national security.

The FBI has faced increasing pressure since Trump’s inauguration. Earlier this month, the Department of Justice sent home a group of senior officials and demanded the names of thousands of FBI agents involved in investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol storming. This move has been seen as a significant shake-up within the agency, aimed at purging those perceived as disloyal to Trump’s administration.

Christopher Wray, the previous FBI director, resigned last year following Trump’s re-election. Wray’s tenure was marked by high-profile investigations, including cases related to Trump’s influence on the 2020 election results and his handling of classified documents. These investigations have been a source of tension between Trump and the FBI, leading to Wray’s eventual departure.

Trump’s negative views on the FBI director he appointed have been well-documented. His frustration with the agency’s investigations and perceived lack of loyalty have led to a series of changes aimed at consolidating his control over federal law enforcement.

Bongino’s appointment as deputy director of the FBI is a significant move that reflects Trump’s broader strategy of placing loyalists in key positions. This appointment, along with Patel’s leadership, signals a new era for the FBI, one that is closely aligned with Trump’s political agenda and his vision for reforming the security services. The implications of these changes are far-reaching and will likely shape the future of federal law enforcement in the United States.