Dan Bongino Named Deputy Director of FBI as Trump Reshapes Law Enforcement Leadership

Dan Bongino Named Deputy Director of FBI as Trump Reshapes Law Enforcement Leadership

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a major shake-up of federal law enforcement leadership, former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator Dan Bongino has been appointed Deputy Director of the FBI, President Donald Trump announced Sunday night. As reported by The New York Post, the appointment marks a return to law enforcement for Bongino, who has been a high-profile media personality in recent years.

Trump took to Truth Social to share the news, calling Bongino “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country” and expressing confidence in the team now leading the FBI. The president also reaffirmed his belief that new FBI Director Kash Patel would be “the best ever Director” and that the duo would play a key role in restoring fairness and justice in the United States.

“Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice! Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel,” Trump posted on Truth Social, as reported by The New York Post.

Bongino, 50, has had a long career in law enforcement and conservative media. As The New York Post report detailed, he began his career with the NYPD before moving on to serve as a Secret Service special agent, where he worked on high-profile protective details for multiple presidents.

In recent years, Bongino transitioned to conservative media, where he built a massive following. He hosted Fox News’ popular Saturday night program, “Unfiltered”, before parting ways with the network in 2023. He also gained prominence through his highly successful podcast, “The Dan Bongino Show”, which has been one of the most-listened-to conservative political podcasts in the country.

However, with his appointment to the FBI, Bongino has decided to step away from broadcasting. As The New York Post reported, Trump confirmed that Bongino would be ending his podcast in order to return to law enforcement and help oversee major changes at the FBI.

“Working with our great new United States Attorney General, Pam Bondi, and Director Patel, Fairness, Justice, Law and Order will be brought back to America, and quickly,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations Dan!”

Shortly after the announcement, Bongino expressed gratitude for his appointment, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to thank the administration.

“Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel,” Bongino posted, as reported by The New York Post.

His selection as Deputy Director of the FBI is seen as a major move toward restructuring an agency that has faced widespread criticism from conservatives over the past several years. Bongino has been an outspoken critic of political bias in federal law enforcement, often arguing that the FBI needed major reforms to restore public trust.

Bongino will be serving under newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel, a longtime Trump ally and vocal critic of the agency’s past leadership. Patel was sworn in on Friday after a narrow 51-49 Senate confirmation vote, as reported by The New York Post.

Patel has repeatedly called for major reforms within the FBI, particularly regarding past investigations into Trump and his associates. His appointment signals a significant ideological shift at the top of the agency, with Bongino now set to help implement new policies under Patel’s leadership.

Bongino’s appointment comes amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to overhaul the Justice Department and FBI. Trump’s decision to name former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi as U.S. Attorney General speaks volumes about his commitment to reshaping law enforcement leadership with trusted allies.

Trump has been vocal about his belief that the FBI and Justice Department had been politicized under past administrations, and his new team—led by Bondi, Patel, and now Bongino—is expected to enact sweeping changes.

Bongino, whose roots trace back to New York, also has a personal connection to the city’s academic institutions. As The New York Post report noted, Trump highlighted that Bongino earned a master’s degree in psychology from CUNY, adding another layer to his deep ties to law enforcement and security training.

With Bongino stepping into the number-two role at the FBI, many are watching to see what immediate changes he will push for. Given his strong conservative stance and history of outspoken criticism of federal agencies, it is expected that Bongino will be instrumental in implementing new FBI policies, particularly those that align with Trump’s broader vision for law enforcement reform.

As The New York Post reported, Bongino’s appointment is a clear signal that the FBI is entering a new era—one that will likely emphasize law-and-order policies, stricter oversight of federal investigations, and a rollback of past politicization within the bureau.

While critics have already begun questioning the appointment, Trump’s base has enthusiastically embraced the decision, seeing it as a long-overdue correction to years of what they consider biased investigations and misconduct at the FBI.