Donald Trump’s campaign promise centered on overhauling the nation’s law enforcement. His choice of conservative podcaster Dan Bongino as the FBI’s Deputy Director underscores the extent of this planned transformation.
Bongino, a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent, is an unconventional pick. He lacks FBI experience and has never overseen an operation of similar scale. For the past decade, his career has primarily involved engaging in debates and shaping public opinion as a combative media figure. In 2018, Bongino stated his focus was “owning the libs.”
This signifies a departure from tradition, where the bureau’s second-in-command was typically a low-profile Washington insider. In Trump’s administration, the role is filled by a staunchly loyal, right-wing, pro-Trump influencer.
According to a Trump advisor, this aligns with other administration choices. The preference is for articulate individuals who can effectively present arguments on camera. Someone with strong communication skills and ideological alignment is considered ideal.
Trump’s announcement of Bongino’s appointment came three days after Kash Patel, another conservative, was confirmed as FBI Director. For the MAGA base, this elevation of a Trump loyalist to a leadership position within the FBI is a significant victory. Mike Davis, a Trump ally and founder of the Article III Project, believes this signals a commitment to reform the Justice Department and the FBI.
Conversely, Bongino’s rise to power is alarming to others. They fear his aggressive rhetoric, coupled with Trump’s inclination for retribution, could lead to injustices. A former FBI official, speaking anonymously, worries that law enforcement tools might be used for political targeting rather than objective investigations. Critics have limited means to oppose the appointment since the position doesn’t require Senate approval.
The FBI Deputy Director, responsible for overseeing the bureau’s operations, is usually a seasoned agent with extensive experience. Mark Felt, who revealed himself as “Deep Throat” – the source who helped expose the Watergate scandal – once held the position.
Even prior to these appointments, Trump had exerted his influence on the agency. The Justice Department recently removed several senior officials and requested the identities of FBI personnel involved in the January 6th Capitol attack investigation. The interim leaders, Brian Driscoll and Robert Kissane, resisted these demands. However, with Patel and Bongino now in place, many expect Driscoll and Kissane to be replaced, ushering in a new leadership within the FBI headquarters. Changes are already underway, with a plan announced to transfer up to 1,500 staff and agents from Washington to field offices.
Bongino’s ascent to the FBI’s upper ranks is unprecedented. After unsuccessful congressional bids, he transformed his campaigns into a platform for becoming a prominent right-wing media figure. Following a move to Florida in 2015, he launched a podcast that rapidly gained a large following. He became a frequent commentator on Fox News and a prominent figure in online conservative circles. In October 2020, his Facebook posts were among the most widely shared, according to analytics software CrowdTangle.
Bongino has consistently supported Trump, even during challenging periods. As a Fox News host in 2021, he featured Trump when the network was trying to distance itself. Documents released in a lawsuit against Fox revealed that Rupert Murdoch sought to marginalize Trump. “Fox News very busy pivoting,” he told a former Fox executive in January 2021, stating the goal was to make Trump irrelevant.
Bongino departed Fox News in April 2023, focusing on his podcast, a top-rated show on Spotify. His prominence within the conservative movement is evident in his acquisition of Rush Limbaugh’s radio time slot. He used this platform to criticize Covid-19 mandates, promote unsubstantiated claims of election fraud, and advocate for the America First agenda. According to the Trump advisor, Bongino has been advocating for the President to a large audience for years.
After winning the 2024 election, Trump sought a government role for Bongino, initially considering him for Secret Service Director. He eventually decided to place him within the FBI alongside Patel.
For Trump supporters, this represents an opportunity to reshape law enforcement. Davis argues that FBI agents are accountable to the President and his appointees. Critics, however, emphasize the bureau’s tradition of independence, raising concerns about objectivity. The former FBI agent questions whether these men will become impartial supervisors, given their past.
Ultimately, both supporters and critics will closely monitor how Patel and Bongino utilize the significant authority granted to them by the President.