In yet another unconventional appointment, President Donald Trump announced late Sunday that former Fox News personality and conservative podcaster Dan Bongino will serve as deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Dan Bongino has been a vocal proponent of Trump
The appointment of Bongino, a former New York police officer, Secret Service agent, and staunch Trump supporter, is already raising eyebrows across the political spectrum. Bongino has long been a vocal proponent of Trump’s claims of election fraud and a harsh critic of the traditional law enforcement establishment.
Unlike FBI directors, who require Senate confirmation, the deputy director position is a direct appointment, meaning Bongino can assume his role immediately.
His boss, newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel, was appointed last week despite opposition from two Republican senators—Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine)—alongside unanimous Democratic opposition.
Patel, a former Trump administration official, has been an outspoken critic of the FBI’s previous investigations into Trump, setting the stage for a drastic shift in the bureau’s leadership.
Why Don Bongino Appointment Matters?
Bongino is best known as the host of The Dan Bongino Show, a podcast with a large conservative following where he has frequently echoed Trump’s claims about government corruption and election fraud.
His appointment represents a significant departure from the tradition of career law enforcement professionals ascending to senior roles in the FBI.
Past deputy directors have typically been experienced bureau insiders, rather than media personalities.
In his Truth Social post announcing the decision, Trump praised Bongino’s experience and dedication to law enforcement:
“Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice! 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, including a Master’s Degree in Psychology from CUNY and an MBA from Penn State. He emphasized that Bongino was willing to leave his successful podcasting career to serve in law enforcement once again.
Bongino responded to the announcement on social media, thanking the president and pledging to restore fairness and justice in the FBI:
A Pattern of Controversial Appointments
This latest move is part of a broader effort by Trump to reshape federal law enforcement in his second term. With Kash Patel at the helm of the FBI and former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi serving as U.S. Attorney General, the administration is rapidly installing loyalists in key positions.
Critics argue that these appointments undermine the independence of federal law enforcement agencies, while supporters see them as a necessary course correction after years of alleged political bias within the FBI and Justice Department.
What’s Next?
With Bongino stepping into his new role, all eyes will be on how the FBI operates under his and Patel’s leadership. Will they usher in a new era of law enforcement accountability, as their supporters claim, or will this appointment further politicize the nation’s top investigative agency? What do you think about Dan Bongino becoming the Deputy Director of the FBI? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Inputs from Politico.