In a surprising move, President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino, a well-known conservative podcaster and former Secret Service agent, as the Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The announcement came via a post on Trump’s Truth Social account, where he praised Bongino as a “man of incredible love and passion” for the United States.
Bongino, 49, will serve under FBI Director Kash Patel, who was sworn in just days before the announcement. The Deputy Director role is typically held by a career agent responsible for overseeing the FBI’s day-to-day operations. However, Trump expressed confidence in Bongino’s ability to bring fairness, justice, and order back to America.
Bongino, who holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and an MBA, has a diverse background. He served in the New York Police Department before joining the Secret Service, where he worked in the Presidential Protective Division under both George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Despite running unsuccessfully for political office three times, Bongino gained prominence as a conservative commentator, hosting a popular podcast and a Fox News show.
In his new role, Bongino will face significant challenges. The FBI is currently navigating internal turmoil, with recent departures of senior officials and ongoing investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Bongino and Patel will replace acting leaders Brian Driscoll and Robert Kissane, who have been managing the bureau since the resignation of former Director Christopher Wray.
Bongino’s appointment has sparked mixed reactions, given his lack of direct FBI experience. However, his supporters argue that his law enforcement background and commitment to conservative values make him a strong choice for the role.
