In a move that perfectly encapsulates the current political climate, former President Donald Trump has appointed conservative commentator, former Secret Service agent, and dedicated FBI critic Dan Bongino as the new deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Yes, you read that correctly. The man who has spent years decrying the FBI as a corrupt, politically motivated institution is now in charge of helping to run it. If that feels like hiring a lifelong vegetarian to run a steakhouse, that’s because it is.
Bongino, whose resume includes a stint with the NYPD, a long career in the U.S. Secret Service, and multiple failed congressional campaigns, has built a brand on railing against the so-called “deep state.” He gained fame as a podcaster and Fox News personality, known for his fiery rants against federal agencies, especially the FBI. His appointment to the number two position at the bureau marks a stark departure from the tradition of choosing career FBI officials for high-ranking leadership roles. But then again, when has Trump ever been one for tradition?
This move follows Trump’s recent appointment of Kash Patel as the FBI director, another controversial pick given Patel’s deep involvement in Republican-led investigations into the origins of the Russia probe. Together, Patel and Bongino will now oversee the very agency they have long accused of being part of a grand conspiracy against conservatives.
Supporters argue that Bongino’s outsider status is exactly what the FBI needs to clean house, purge political bias, and restore trust in the agency. Critics, on the other hand, are struggling to comprehend how a man who has called the FBI “irredeemably corrupt” is now expected to lead it. Many within the bureau are reportedly uneasy about Bongino’s lack of FBI experience, as well as his history of promoting conspiracy theories, including claims about election fraud and the so-called “witch hunt” against Trump.
Bongino himself has embraced the appointment with characteristic bravado, thanking Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and Director Patel for the opportunity to “restore fairness and law and order.” One can only imagine the kind of “restoration” he has in mind.
Meanwhile, those familiar with the inner workings of the FBI are left wondering how this will affect the agency’s operations. Already, the Justice Department has seen a significant shake-up, with reports indicating that senior officials have been forced out and that scrutiny is intensifying over past investigations, particularly those related to the Capitol riot. With Bongino now in a leadership role, it’s likely that the FBI’s priorities—and perhaps its entire culture—will shift in a direction that aligns with Trump’s vision of law enforcement.
So, what does this mean for the FBI? Is this a strategic move to reform the bureau, or just another instance of political allies being rewarded with powerful positions? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the phrase “you can’t make this stuff up” has never been more appropriate.
