President Donald Trump has appointed conservative commentator and podcaster Dan Bongino as the Deputy Director of the FBI, serving under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel.

Trump announced Bongino’s appointment on social media, praising him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.”

Who is Dan Bongino?

Bongino, 50, has a background in law enforcement, having served in the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the U.S. Secret Service. A staunch Trump ally, he is known for his vocal support of conservative values and for pushing controversial claims about the 2020 election.

Despite his law enforcement background, Bongino’s appointment is unconventional, as FBI deputy directors are typically career agents with extensive experience within the bureau. His new role will involve overseeing both domestic and international FBI operations.

Bongino’s Influence in Conservative Media

Bongino is the host of The Dan Bongino Show, a popular conservative podcast that frequently outperforms mainstream networks like Fox News and CNN on Facebook. He has used his platform to criticize the FBI and defend Trump, most recently addressing concerns about potential political targeting under the new leadership.

During a recent podcast episode, Bongino praised Patel’s leadership, saying:

“Kash Patel is there for one reason—he is there to make the FBI great again.”

He also expressed a vision for an FBI “free of woke culture and DEI,” focused on crime-fighting and high-profile arrests.

Trump’s Vision for the FBI Under Bongino and Patel

Bongino’s appointment follows the Senate’s narrow confirmation of Kash Patel as FBI Director. Patel, a longtime Trump loyalist, has been highly critical of the FBI, but he has denied plans for political vendettas, instead vowing to “rebuild” the bureau.

Trump confirmed that Bongino will step away from his podcast to focus on his new role, stating that he will help “restore fairness, justice, law, and order.”

Controversies and Public Reactions

Bongino has been a frequent critic of the Biden administration and has supported Trump’s claims regarding the 2020 election. He has also accused the FBI and DOJ of political bias, calling for major reforms.

His combative social media presence has led to high-profile feuds, including a long-running dispute with horror author Stephen King.

What’s Next for the FBI?

With 38,000 employees and an $11 billion budget, the FBI is entering a new era under Patel and Bongino. Their leadership is expected to bring major changes, with conservatives hoping for reform and critics warning of potential political influence.

As Trump positions himself for a potential return to the White House, the FBI’s direction under Patel and Bongino will be closely watched.