A number of MAGA figures have celebrated the news that conservative podcast host Dan Bongino has been selected by President Donald Trump to serve as the FBI's deputy director.
Newsweek has connected the FBI and Bongino for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Bongino is the latest Trump loyalist to be given a top position at the nation's leading federal law enforcement agency after Kash Patel was sworn in as FBI director on Friday. Democrats have long raised concerns that Trump might use the federal government to target political opponents.
What To Know
Trump announced via Truth Social on Sunday that Bongino has been named the next deputy director of the FBI. The president called the move "great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice."
A number of MAGA figures have praised the move to name Bongino as the next deputy director of the FBI. Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert described the news as "everything."
The announcement has also been condemned by Democratic figures and critics of the president. The Republicans Against Trump social media account shared the news online, adding, "God help us all."
Bongino is a former New York City police officer and Secret Service agent who served on the protection detail for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. The former Fox News host also ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Maryland in 2012 and for congressional seats in Maryland and Florida in 2014 and 2016, losing all three races.
He is the host of The Dan Bongino Show, which is ranked the 56th most popular podcast on Spotify. Trump appeared on Bongino's podcast in October 2024, just before the election.
Bongino, a staunch Trump supporter, has said that the 2020 election was rigged against the Republican He also described the FBI's search of Trump's Mar-a-Lago home in August 2022 for classified materials as "tyranny."
What People Are Saying
Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert posted on X, formerly Twitter: "This. Is. EVERYTHING!!"
Charlie Kirk, right-wing political commentator and founder of Turning Point USA, posted on X: "Wow! BREAKING: Great patriot and dear friend Dan Bongino has just been named Deputy Director of the FBI. This is incredible news!! Thank you @dbongino for the sacrifice. I know this is in service to our country. America just got a huge upgrade."
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth posted: "Huge congrats to my friend Dan Bongino. No better patriot or professional. Patel-Bongino atop the FBI is pure [fire emoji]."
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "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. 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. Congratulations Dan!"
Dan Bongino while sharing Trump's announcement on X: "Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel."
Republicans Against Trump posted: "Donald Trump just named far-right MAGA podcaster Dan Bongino, a notorious conspiracy theorist who promoted the lie that the 2020 election was 'stolen,' to serve as Deputy Director of the FBI. God help us all."
Democratic Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy posted: "Trump has chosen grifters to lead the FBI. Kash Patel sells 'K$SH' branded merch, vaccine reversal pills. Dan Bongino's entire show is telling listeners the world is ending so they buy the dozens of survivalist products he sells. I know this feels like a bad dream. It isn't."
What Happens Next
Trump's appointment of the FBI deputy director does not require Senate confirmation, meaning Bongino will face no issues in assuming the role.
English (US) ·