In a move that is shaking up the leadership of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, President Donald Trump has appointed former Secret Service agent, NYPD officer, and conservative commentator Dan Bongino as the new Deputy Director of the FBI. Bongino will serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel, a longtime Trump ally. The decision, while celebrated by many in conservative circles, has sparked criticism from political opponents and members of the intelligence community who argue that the position has traditionally been held by a career FBI official.
For supporters of Bongino and the broader vision of the Trump administration, his appointment represents a long-overdue correction to what they see as an overly politicized and unaccountable agency. Critics, however, warn that his lack of direct FBI experience and his history of vocal opposition to the bureau could disrupt the institution in unprecedented ways.
Who Is Dan Bongino?
Dan Bongino’s career has been defined by his service in law enforcement and his unwavering commitment to conservative values. He began as a police officer with the NYPD before moving into federal service as a Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, where he was assigned to the elite Presidential Protection Division. This experience gave him firsthand insight into the highest levels of government security.
Following his law enforcement career, Bongino made several bids for Congress but ultimately found his calling in conservative media. His podcast, The Dan Bongino Show, and his role as a Fox News contributor turned him into a leading voice in right-wing political discourse. His sharp criticism of the FBI, particularly regarding its handling of investigations into Donald Trump and conservative figures, has made him a polarizing figure in American politics.
Despite his success in media, Bongino is now stepping away from his lucrative career to serve in one of the most powerful law enforcement positions in the country.
Trump’s Justification for the Appointment
President Trump did not hesitate to praise Bongino’s qualifications, emphasizing his law enforcement background, education, and commitment to restoring integrity to the FBI.
“Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel.”
Trump also highlighted Bongino’s academic credentials, noting that he holds a master’s degree in psychology from City University of New York and an MBA from Penn State.
“He was a member of the New York Police Department (New York’s Finest!), a highly respected Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, and is now one of the most successful podcasters in the country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve,” Trump added.
Beyond professional achievements, Trump pointed to Bongino’s character and dedication to family values.
“Another aspect of the life of Dan Bongino that I think is very important—he has a great wife, Paula, and two wonderful daughters who truly love their dad,” Trump wrote. “What an incredible job Dan will do!!!”
Bongino’s Response: A Mission to Reform the FBI
Bongino, never one to mince words, enthusiastically accepted the appointment and vowed to help clean up what he has long described as a deeply politicized agency.
“I’ve always said the mission of law enforcement is to protect the good guys and put the bad guys behind bars,” he stated. “That mission has been lost in the last few years, and it’s time to bring it back.”
His long-running critique of the FBI—particularly its handling of politically charged investigations—has positioned him as a reformer eager to dismantle what he sees as corruption within the bureau. He has frequently accused the FBI of covering up key information and selectively enforcing the law to benefit political elites.
“If the video has been sitting in the FBI evidence locker for four years now, it’s almost like someone in the FBI knows the identity of this bomber and that Trump is going to find out,” Bongino said in a recent podcast episode, referring to the unsolved case of the January 6th pipe bombs. He called the FBI’s failure to identify a suspect “the biggest scandal of our time.”
Now, with the power of the Deputy Director position, Bongino has the opportunity to turn his criticisms into action.
Supporters Rally Behind Bongino
Bongino’s appointment has drawn strong support from conservative figures and Trump loyalists. Among those cheering the decision was Auburn Tigers basketball coach Bruce Pearl, who issued a blunt warning:
“Congratulations to my friend and great patriot Dan Bongino,” Pearl wrote on social media. “The bad guys best keep their head on a swivel!”
Pearl’s sentiment reflects a broader belief among Trump supporters that Bongino is uniquely suited to help Director Patel bring law and order back to the FBI. His willingness to challenge the status quo and his background in frontline law enforcement set him apart from previous deputy directors who largely came from within the FBI’s own ranks.
Critics Say Bongino Is Unqualified and Too Partisan
Despite the enthusiasm from Trump’s supporters, Bongino’s appointment has not been without controversy. Traditionally, the Deputy Director position has been filled by a career FBI agent, someone deeply familiar with the bureau’s internal workings and operations. Bongino, having never served within the FBI, is breaking a 117-year tradition.
A memo from the FBI Agents Association, while not directly naming Bongino, made clear its stance on the matter:
“The FBI Deputy Director should continue to be an on-board, active Special Agent—as has been the case for 117 years—for many compelling reasons, including operational expertise and experience, as well as the trust of our Special Agent population.”
Former Attorney General William Barr and other past Justice Department officials have also voiced concerns, arguing that Bongino’s history of promoting “conspiracy theories” about the FBI could make his leadership divisive.
Democrats and members of the intelligence community worry that Bongino and Patel will use their leadership to purge career officials they perceive as disloyal to Trump. The recent firings of multiple FBI field office heads and senior executives have only fueled speculation that major restructuring is on the way.
Whether one sees Bongino’s appointment as a long-overdue reform or a dangerous politicization of federal law enforcement, one thing is clear—his tenure will be unlike anything the FBI has seen before. His appointment marks a deliberate effort by Trump to reshape the bureau and remove officials he believes have been part of an entrenched anti-Trump establishment.
Bongino, for his part, has made no secret of his mission. “EVERYONE involved in this DOJ/FBI abomination, from the management down to the agents, must be immediately terminated when the tyrants are thrown out of office,” he wrote on social media in 2022. Now, he has the power to act on that promise.
With Kash Patel at the helm and Dan Bongino as his second-in-command, the FBI is entering a new era—one in which accountability, transparency, and law enforcement free from political interference will be put to the test. Whether this will restore trust in the FBI or further divide the country remains to be seen.
