Dan Bongino Appointed as FBI Deputy Director Sparks Debate

In February 2025, President Trump appointed conservative media personality Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director under Director Kash Patel. You’ll find Bongino’s background includes 12 years with the Secret Service and four years as an NYPD officer before his shift to political commentary and hosting shows on Fox News. The appointment has sparked fierce debate, with Republicans praising needed reforms while Democrats and former FBI officials question his qualifications. The full impact of this controversial choice continues to unfold.

Former President Donald Trump has tapped conservative media personality and ex-Secret Service agent Dan Bongino to serve as FBI Deputy Director, marking a significant departure from the bureau’s tradition of promoting career agents to its second-highest position.

Trump announced Bongino’s appointment on February 24, 2025, praising him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” Bongino will serve under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel in a role that doesn’t require Senate confirmation. The appointment comes amid a broader reshaping of the FBI, including plans to relocate 1,500 personnel from Washington headquarters.

Bongino’s law enforcement background includes four years as a New York City Police Department officer from 1995 to 1999, followed by a twelve-year stint with the U.S. Secret Service, where he protected Presidents Bush and Obama. During his time at the Secret Service, he served as an instructor at Quantico. After leaving law enforcement, he unsuccessfully ran for political office in Maryland and Florida before establishing himself as a prominent conservative media figure.

His media career has included hosting shows on Fox News from 2021 to 2023 and running “The Dan Bongino Show,” which ranks among top news podcasts. After Rush Limbaugh’s passing in 2021, Bongino took over his timeslot. He launched the Bongino Report in December 2019 as an alternative to the Drudge Report. He’s authored several books on national security and politics, becoming known for his confrontational style and conservative commentary. His strong stance against Covid-19 restrictions and his promotion of election fraud claims further solidified his position within conservative circles.

A conservative media powerhouse, Bongino built his brand through Fox News hosting, a top-ranked podcast, and politically charged books.

The appointment has sparked intense debate across political lines. Republican allies praise the move as necessary FBI reform, while Democratic lawmakers express outrage over Bongino’s lack of FBI experience and history of election denial. Former FBI officials question the appropriateness of selecting a media personality for such a vital operational role. Bongino responded with an emotional podcast announcement, expressing gratitude for the appointment.

Critics worry about potential politicization of the bureau, pointing to Bongino’s controversial statements and departure from the traditional path of career agents ascending to leadership positions. There’s particular concern about Trump potentially using the FBI to target political adversaries.

In response to these concerns, Bongino has pledged to restore trust in the FBI and support field agents and investigators. However, questions persist about his operational expertise and ability to maintain the bureau’s traditional independence. The appointment has already triggered the departure of several senior FBI officials in recent weeks.

Law enforcement associations have offered mixed responses to Bongino’s appointment, reflecting broader divisions within the law enforcement community. Some support the fresh perspective he brings, while others worry about the impact on the FBI’s investigative priorities and institutional knowledge.

The leadership change signals a shift towards emphasizing traditional crime-fighting duties, though many wonder how Bongino’s media background and political affiliations might influence the bureau’s direction. As the FBI faces this unprecedented alteration, the impact of this appointment on its operations and reputation remains to be seen.