In a recent announcement, former President Donald Trump revealed that Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and prominent conservative commentator, has been appointed as the deputy director of the FBI by Director Kash Patel.
This news has been met with widespread approval from conservative circles and members of the Trump administration.
"No better patriot or professional. Patel-Bongino atop the FBI is pure [fire]," commented Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Stephen Miller, a White House adviser, also expressed his support, stating, "Dan Bongino is the warrior America needs in this vital role."
However, the appointment has sparked controversy among liberals and Democrats, who were already expressing discontent over Patel's confirmation. As reported by The Blaze, Democratic Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut criticized the appointments, tweeting, "Trump has chosen grifters to lead the FBI. Kash Patel sells 'K$SH' branded merch, vaccine reversal pills. Dan Bongino's entire show is telling listeners the world is ending so they buy the dozens of survivalist products he sells."
Murphy, who recently drew attention for criticizing Vice President JD Vance and the Trump family over a post from a Lara Trump fan account, added, "I know this feels like a bad dream. It isn't."
The appointment of Bongino has been described as a "radical and abrupt departure" from traditional practices. Liberal news outlets and social media platforms have been filled with similar criticisms, many of which echo previous attacks against prominent conservatives such as Hegseth, U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
A member of the 2024 Kamala Harris team expressed concern over the appointment, stating, "Two of Trump's most devout sycophants have now been installed at the highest, most powerful echelons of the FBI a law enforcement agency heretofore known for its tradition of independence," adding that the duo are "the least experienced leadership pair in the entire 117-year history of the FBI."
Adam Cohen, vice chair of the anti-Trump group Lawyers for Good Government, also criticized Bongino's appointment, describing him as "unqualified" and suggesting that his ideas "are generally ludicrous conspiracy theories, totally devoid of fact."
The New York Times, among other liberal publications, characterized the appointment as unorthodox and "radical." The Times piece on the announcement stated, "The choice of Mr. Bongino is a radical and abrupt departure from that practice and raises startling questions about how two people who have never served as F.B.I. agents will oversee the vast surveillance and investigative powers of an agency of 38,000 people and a budget of about $11 billion."
Despite the criticism, Bongino's career history paints a picture of a dedicated public servant. According to his 2012 U.S. Senate campaign website, Bongino began his career as a police cadet with the New York Police Department in 1995, becoming a full officer in 1997. After two years on the streets of Brooklyn, he joined the Secret Service in 1999 as a special agent. Bongino, a 50-year-old father of two who overcame Hodgkin lymphoma during the pandemic, joined the Presidential Protection Division in 2006 and remained on protective duty with former President Barack Obama.
Bongino has also authored best-selling books, including "Exonerated: The Failed Takedown of President Donald Trump by the Swamp," and hosts a highly popular political commentary podcast.
"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 further highlighted Bongino's qualifications, stating, "Dan has a Masters Degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y., 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."
Following the announcement, Bongino expressed his gratitude to the president, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel. He then retweeted a post that read, "THE DREAM TEAM. KASH PATEL. DAN BONGINO. FAFO. Buckle up, America!" The acronym "FAFO" in the message stands for "f**k around and find out," indicating a bold and assertive approach to his new role.
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