Dan Bongino, a former New York City police officer and Secret Service agent turned right-wing pundit and podcaster, has been announced as the next deputy director of the FBI by President Trump. The newly installed FBI director, Kash Patel, named Bongino to the No. 2 post at the agency, a role that does not require Senate confirmation. This move signifies the installation of two Trump loyalists at the highest levels of the traditionally independent law enforcement agency, sparking mistrust among the FBI rank-and-file.
In a departure from past practice, where FBI directors have typically selected senior agents with extensive experience to run the bureau’s operations, the selection of Bongino raises concerns about how two individuals without FBI agent experience will oversee the agency’s vast surveillance and investigative powers. Bongino’s rise, alongside Patel, will create the least experienced leadership pair in FBI history, potentially compromising the agency’s independence and credibility. Bongino has a history of peddling misinformation and partisan politics, which has raised questions about the bureau’s future direction under such leadership.
Amid significant upheaval at the FBI, the removal of senior executives with decades of experience has occurred as the Justice Department seeks changes within the agency. Interim leaders Brian Driscoll and Robert C. Kissane, who initially resisted political interference in the aftermath of the Capitol attack on Jan. 6, 2021, were well-liked within the bureau for standing up to perceived interference. The appointment of Bongino as deputy director comes at a pivotal moment for the agency, with concerns about how his lack of experience and partisan views will impact FBI operations.
The FBI Agents Association had advocated for the next deputy director to be an active special agent, but Patel’s decision to appoint Bongino, a non-agent, suggests a shift in leadership priorities. While it is unclear whether Trump influenced Bongino’s selection, his history as a right-wing commentator and association with Trump raises concerns about his ability to lead a complex and critical law enforcement agency effectively. The appointment reflects a broader trend of political interference in traditionally non-political institutions, potentially compromising the bureau’s integrity.
Bongino’s past as a Fox News host and commentator has raised questions about his qualifications for a key role in the FBI, particularly given his history of spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories. His tough-talking style and embrace of partisan politics have garnered a large following on social media, but also led to criticism about his credibility. The appointment of Bongino as deputy director has prompted concerns about the FBI’s ability to maintain its credibility and independence in the face of political influence at the highest levels of leadership.
As the FBI grapples with leadership changes and internal turmoil, the appointment of Dan Bongino as deputy director underlines broader concerns about the agency’s future direction. His lack of experience as an FBI agent and history of peddling misinformation raise questions about his ability to effectively lead an agency tasked with upholding the rule of law and investigating complex cases. The appointment of Bongino, along with FBI director Patel, suggests a growing trend of political interference in traditionally non-political institutions, with implications for the bureau’s independence and credibility.
