In a surprise announcement on February 23, 2025, President Donald Trump named conservative commentator and former Secret Service agent Dan Bongino as the next Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The decision, revealed via Trump’s Truth Social platform, pairs Bongino with Kash Patel, Trump’s pick for FBI Director, marking a significant shift in the agency’s leadership as the incoming administration prepares to take office. Trump hailed the duo as a team capable of restoring “Fairness, Justice, Law and Order” to America, signaling a dramatic new direction for the nation’s premier law enforcement agency.
Dan Bongino, 50, brings a unique blend of experience to the role. Born and raised in Queens, New York, he began his career as a New York City Police Department officer in the mid-1990s before joining the U.S. Secret Service in 1999, where he served for over a decade. During his tenure, Bongino earned a reputation as a dedicated agent, with colleagues praising his professionalism and skill. After leaving the Secret Service in 2011, he ventured into politics, running unsuccessfully for Congress three times—twice in Maryland and once in Florida—before finding his footing in the media. Bongino’s rise to prominence came through his role as a conservative radio host, podcaster, and Fox News contributor.
His show, The Dan Bongino Show, has amassed millions of listeners, making him one of the most influential voices in conservative media. Known for his fiery rhetoric and unwavering support for Trump, Bongino has often criticized the FBI and other federal agencies, accusing them of political bias and overreach. His appointment as Deputy Director now places him in a position to directly influence the institution he once targeted. Trump praised Bongino’s credentials in his announcement, noting his master’s degree in psychology from Queens College and an MBA from Penn State. “Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI,” Trump wrote. “He is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve.”
Bongino will serve under Kash Patel, a Trump loyalist and former National Security official whom the president-elect has described as “the best ever” pick for FBI Director. Patel, awaiting Senate confirmation, has similarly criticized the FBI, particularly its handling of investigations involving Trump and his associates. Together, Patel and Bongino are poised to form a leadership team that aligns closely with Trump’s vision of reforming federal law enforcement. The pairing has sparked enthusiasm among Trump supporters, who see it as a decisive step toward dismantling what they perceive as a “weaponized” FBI.
Posts on X reflect this sentiment, with users calling it “The Kash and Dan Show” and a “Dream Team” ready to tackle corruption. Critics, however, view the move with alarm. Some have labeled Bongino a “hyper-partisan” figure whose media career—marked by controversial statements and the promotion of conspiracy theories like “Spygate”—could undermine the FBI’s credibility and independence.
The FBI has faced intense scrutiny in recent years, from its role in the Russia investigation to the 2022 Mar-a-Lago search that uncovered classified documents. Trump and his allies have accused the agency of targeting him politically, a narrative Bongino has amplified through his media platforms. Now, with Bongino and Patel at the helm, the administration appears intent on reshaping the FBI’s priorities and culture.
Supporters argue that Bongino’s law enforcement background makes him uniquely qualified to address internal issues, such as morale and operational focus. His experience as a Secret Service agent, they say, gives him insight into protecting high-profile figures—a skill that could prove vital given ongoing threats against Trump. Detractors, meanwhile, point to his lack of administrative experience and his polarizing public persona, warning that his leadership could deepen divisions within the agency and erode public trust.
Trump’s decision also carries a personal dimension. Following two assassination attempts during the 2024 campaign, the president-elect has emphasized the need for loyal and capable protectors. Bongino, who credited Trump with saving his own life during the July attempt by instinctively ducking, has been a vocal defender of the former president’s security needs. Their relationship was further highlighted when Bongino joined Trump’s entourage at a high-profile UFC event in November 2024, alongside other Cabinet picks and celebrities.
As Deputy Director, Bongino will not require Senate confirmation, allowing him to assume the role swiftly once Trump takes office. His partnership with Patel, pending the latter’s approval, could set the stage for sweeping changes at the FBI, from personnel shakeups to policy overhauls. Trump’s broader Cabinet, including Pam Bondi as Attorney General, suggests a coordinated effort to align the Justice Department and its agencies with his agenda.
The announcement has already ignited debate across political lines. For Trump’s base, it’s a triumph—a chance to see one of their own take on the “deep state.” For opponents, it’s a troubling sign of politicization at the highest levels of law enforcement. As the nation watches this unprecedented transition unfold, one thing is clear: Dan Bongino’s move from the podcast studio to the FBI’s upper echelons will be anything but quiet.
