President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and popular conservative podcaster, as the Deputy Director of the FBI. The announcement, made on Trump’s Truth Social account, underscores Bongino’s commitment to law enforcement and justice.
Bongino, 49, will serve under FBI Director Kash Patel, who was recently sworn in. The Deputy Director role is typically held by a career agent, but Trump expressed confidence in Bongino’s ability to bring fairness and order to the bureau. “Dan Bongino is a man of incredible love and passion for our country,” Trump wrote.
With a Master’s degree in Psychology and an MBA, Bongino has a diverse background. He started his career in the New York Police Department before joining the Secret Service, where he protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. Despite losing three political races, Bongino gained fame as a conservative commentator, hosting a popular podcast and a Fox News show.
Bongino’s appointment comes at a challenging time for the FBI, which is grappling with internal turmoil and ongoing investigations related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. He 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.
While some have raised concerns about Bongino’s lack of FBI experience, his supporters argue that his law enforcement background and conservative values make him a strong choice for the role.
