President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino as the deputy director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The announcement, made on Sunday, February 23rd, places a close Trump ally in the agency’s second-highest position.
Trump praised Bongino in a post on Truth Social, calling him “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country” and highlighting his background in law enforcement. “He was a member of the New York Police Department (New York’s Finest!), a highly respected Special Agent with the United States Secret Service, and is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve,” Trump wrote.
Bongino, who served in the Secret Service under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, has been a vocal supporter of Trump and a prominent conservative commentator. His appointment follows the recent confirmation of FBI Director Kash Patel. Patel welcomed Bongino’s selection, calling him “a warrior and lifelong public servant” who will help restore public trust in the agency.
“His leadership, integrity, and deep commitment to justice make him the ideal choice to help lead the FBI at this critical time. He’s a cops cop,” Patel wrote in a post on X. “Dan is stepping away from an incredibly successful career because he believes in this mission,”
Bongino’s appointment has drawn criticism from some political observers, who argue that his lack of FBI experience raises concerns about his ability to oversee day-to-day operations. Traditionally, the deputy director role is filled by a career FBI agent with extensive experience within the bureau.
Bongino, who previously ran for office three times but was unsuccessful, has built a large following as a conservative commentator. He previously hosted a show on Fox News and currently runs “The Dan Bongino Show,” one of the top-ranked political podcasts.
His appointment comes as Patel plans to restructure the FBI, shifting resources from headquarters and refocusing on crime-fighting efforts. The Justice Department recently removed several senior FBI officials and is reviewing past investigations related to the January 6 Capitol riot.
The White House has not announced when Bongino will be sworn in.
