Democrats were outraged on Monday over the appointment of Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative media figure, as the FBI’s deputy director. They argued that his loyalty would primarily align with the president, raising concerns about impartiality in senior government leadership.
FBI Director Kash Patel, confirmed by the Senate just days earlier, named Bongino his deputy on Sunday night. Bongino, a radio host and former law enforcement officer, stepped into the role without congressional approval, as FBI directors have the authority to select their deputies.
President Donald Trump praised Bongino on Truth Social, calling him a “man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” Trump expressed confidence that under Attorney General Pam Bondi, Patel, and Bongino, the principles of fairness, justice, and order would be restored swiftly.
Democrats, who had already criticized Patel’s appointment as partisan, claimed Bongino’s new role further solidified their fears that the FBI under the Trump administration would be used to target political enemies.
Fears Over Dan Bongino
California Senator Adam Schiff labelled Dan Bongino a “right-wing Fox personality and internet troll” on X, accusing him of being another Trump loyalist who would comply with unethical or immoral demands. Schiff warned that this appointment would further harm public safety and the integrity of law enforcement agencies.
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy echoed these concerns, accusing Bongino of using his media career to instil fear among conservatives and sell survivalist products.
Murphy argued that his appointment reflected poorly on congressional Republicans, who he said had supported controversial nominees and allowed the administration to challenge Congress’s authority. On X, Murphy claimed Trump was mocking Senate Republicans, confident in their unwavering support.
He also referred to Patel and Bongino as “grifters,” pointing to their involvement in selling branded merchandise and survival products.
Republicans, however, celebrated the decision. Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett called Bongino a “red-blooded American” and said he was confident he would help rebuild public trust in the FBI.
Kansas Senator Roger Marshall highlighted Bongino’s law enforcement background as evidence of his qualifications, expressing optimism about the leadership team’s ability to restore the FBI’s core mission of protecting Americans.
Dan Bongino has been a prominent figure in conservative media as a radio host and commentator. Since 2021, he has hosted a talk show that succeeded the late Rush Limbaugh’s program. He has also frequently appeared on Fox News and hosts a daily podcast. Before his media career, Bongino served in the Secret Service and as a New York police officer. In 2011, he ran unsuccessfully for the Senate in Maryland.
Bongino’s appointment marks one of Patel’s first decisions as FBI director, a position he officially assumed after a tight 51-49 Senate confirmation vote.
Patel’s leadership has drawn criticism from Democrats and some Republicans due to his outspoken political views and critiques of the FBI. Critics argue that Patel’s tenure could turn the agency into a vehicle for advancing the Trump administration’s political agenda.
About Dan Bongino
Dan Bongino earned an MBA from Penn State University and bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the City University of New York (CUNY). He began his career with the New York Police Department in 1995 by joining its Cadet Program while studying at CUNY. Two years later, he became a full-time police officer.
In 1999, Bongino joined the U.S. Secret Service, starting at the New York Field Office, where he investigated federal crimes. Later, he became an instructor at the Secret Service Training Academy in Maryland. By 2006, he joined the Presidential Protection Division, serving on the security details for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.
In 2012, Bongino ran for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. He secured the Republican nomination but lost in the general election. Following that, he made unsuccessful bids for congressional seats in 2014 and 2016, running in Maryland and Florida after relocating there with his family.
At 50, Bongino now hosts The Dan Bongino Show, a syndicated radio program and daily podcast. According to PodTrac, as of January, it ranked as the 7th most popular podcast in the U.S.
