In a significant announcement, President Donald Trump revealed that Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent known for his bestselling books, unsuccessful political bids, and conservative media presence, has been appointed as the deputy director of the FBI. The news was shared by President Trump on his Truth Social platform, where he lauded Bongino as a patriot with a deep love for the country. The president hailed the decision as a positive development for law enforcement and the American justice system.
This appointment places two close allies of President Trump in key leadership positions within the nation’s top federal law enforcement agency. As concerns among Democrats rise regarding potential targeting of political opponents, Bongino will serve under FBI Director Kash Patel, who recently took office and has outlined plans to revamp the bureau by relocating staff and refocusing on core crime-fighting activities.
The role of deputy director is crucial within the FBI hierarchy, overseeing daily law enforcement operations and providing essential support to the agency’s mission. Bongino, aged 49, brings a wealth of experience from his time serving on the protective details of former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush before transitioning to a prominent role in conservative media. He emerged as a prominent voice in the Make America Great Again movement, promoting disputed claims related to the 2020 election.
Following the passing of renowned commentator Rush Limbaugh in 2021, Bongino stepped into the radio spotlight with a show in the same time slot. His career includes stints with the New York Police Department in the late 1990s before joining the Secret Service. Bongino’s media presence expanded through appearances on Fox News and hosting a show on the network from 2021 to 2023. Currently, he hosts The Dan Bongino Show, a highly popular podcast platform on Spotify.
Bongino’s foray into politics saw him run for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland in 2012 and make congressional bids in both Maryland and Florida in subsequent years following his relocation in 2015. Despite his efforts, he was unsuccessful in all three election campaigns.
In a notable interview, Bongino expressed concerns about the Secret Service’s performance and advocated for reforms within the agency, citing security lapses during incidents in which individuals posed threats to public figures. President Trump, in the same conversation, commended a Secret Service agent for swiftly identifying a potential threat, highlighting the importance of vigilance and protection in such roles.
Contributions to this report were made by Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York.
