Washington, D.C.: US President Joe Biden has appointed Dan Bongino as the new Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Bongino, who is a retired Secret Service agent and conservative pundit, will be working under FBI Director Kash Patel, who was sworn into office on February 22, 2025. His appointment has elicited strong reactions from both sides, with conservatives lauding the appointment and some Democrats raising concerns regarding the politicization of the FBI.
Bongino’s new role comes at a time when the FBI is under intense scrutiny for its handling of high-profile investigations. Director Kash Patel has already signaled major changes in the agency, emphasizing a return to its core crime-fighting responsibilities. As Deputy Director, Bongino is expected to play a crucial role in executing these reforms and reshaping the FBI’s operational strategies.
Bongino’s Extensive Law Enforcement Background
Dan Bongino started his law enforcement career in 1997 with the New York Police Department (NYPD). He worked as an officer for two years before transferring to the United States Secret Service, where he was a special agent. Throughout his career, Bongino worked on some of the most sensitive security operations in the nation, including protective details for senior government officials and U.S. presidents.
Bongino served Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama with direct protection on domestic and foreign travel. His background in law enforcement provided him with intimate knowledge of criminal investigations, counterterrorism, and intelligence collection methods. He also served in the Secret Service’s prestigious Presidential Protective Division, which protects the United States’ highest office.
Throughout his career, Bongino developed a reputation as a strong advocate for law enforcement, frequently speaking about the importance of public safety and national security. His appointment as the FBI’s second-in-command underscores the administration’s effort to place experienced law enforcement professionals in key leadership roles.
Bongino’s Transition to Media and Politics
Following his departure from the Secret Service, Bongino transitioned to politics and the media. He emerged as a prominent conservative commentator, featuring frequently on Fox News and other conservative networks. He offered valuable insights on national security, law enforcement, and government policy, making him an instant hit with conservatives.
Bongino subsequently created The Dan Bongino Show, a political podcast that within a short while became among the most popular conservative shows in America. His vigorous opinions and keen criticism of governmental policies endeared him to many and won him a great number of fans.
Aside from his career in media, Bongino made efforts to go into politics. He sought to be elected in the U.S. Maryland Senate in 2012 and subsequently for seats in Congress in Maryland (2014) and Florida (2016). Nevertheless, he failed in all the three contests. Notwithstanding such electoral failures, he was a prominent voice in conservative politics. His steadfast advocacy of then-President Donald Trump even boosted his prominence further, and he became one of the most outspoken proponents of Trump’s “America First” agenda.
Bongino’s vocal opinions regarding law enforcement, national security, and government corruption have positioned him as a polarizing personality. Some view him as a champion of law and order, while others claim he disseminates misinformation and creates political strife.
New Role and FBI Reforms Under Kash Patel
Bongino, as Deputy Director, will collaborate directly with FBI Director Kash Patel, who already has plans to implement major reforms at the agency. Patel has underscored the change of focus from politically charged investigations by saying the FBI ought to stay on main-street law enforcement matters like organized crime, cybercrime, and counterterrorism.
Among Patel’s chief proposals is the decentralization of the FBI through the transfer of hundreds of staffers from Washington, D.C., to regional field offices nationwide. This would attempt to diminish the level of political control in the bureau and nudge the agency more toward national and local police operations.
Bongino’s appointment is consistent with these objectives, as he has been a vocal critic for years of what he refers to as “politicization” in federal agencies. His duties as Deputy Director will include managing day-to-day operations and putting into practice Patel’s vision for a transformed FBI.
But his selection has also sparked concerns. Most Democrats are concerned that having two strong Trump supporters in charge of the FBI could undermine the independence of the agency. They believe that the leadership of the bureau must be politically neutral to ensure public confidence.
With this in mind, Bongino has mentioned that his emphasis shall be on policing, and not politics. His promise has been to defend street-level FBI officers and place their crime-fighting efforts ahead of political conflicts.
Support and Criticism About Bongino’s Appointment
The appointment of Bongino has brought about a countrywide controversy. His supporters argue that his wide law enforcement experience and leadership ability make him ideal for the position. They contend that he will restore faith in the FBI and keep the agency focused on protecting American citizens.
Ex-President Donald Trump welcomed Bongino’s appointment, describing him as a patriot who will restore “law and order” to the nation. “Dan Bongino is a man of immense love and devotion for our nation. He will serve with the best-ever FBI Director, Kash Patel, to restore fairness, justice, and law enforcement integrity,” Trump posted on his social media site, Truth Social.
However, others have noted that critics reference Bongino’s record of generating provocative statements and his strong affiliation with Trump. There is some fear that his presidency will bring politically biased investigations or a desire to prosecute political enemies.
In spite of the furore, Bongino will begin his new job straight away. His tenure at the head of the FBI will go a long way towards determining the direction the agency takes for years to come. As he assumes the position, everyone will be watching how he navigates law enforcement roles and the political difficulties associated with his appointment.
