Dan Bongino, Former Secret Service Agent and Conservative Voice, Appointed as FBI Deputy Director

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dan Bongino, a former U.S. Secret Service agent and right-wing media personality, has been appointed as the new deputy director of the FBI. This announcement, made by President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, emphasizes Bongino’s dedication to law enforcement, referring to him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.”

This historic selection sees Bongino align with Kash Patel, who was sworn in as FBI director just days prior. Their leadership will guide the bureau at a time when partisan tensions are heightened, particularly concerning presidential oversight and the agency’s role. Patel has indicated a focus on reshaping the FBI, aiming to streamline operations by relocating some employees and enhancing crime-fighting initiatives.

Bongino, aged 49, has a diverse background, having served under Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush during his Secret Service tenure. Following his law enforcement career, he transitioned into media, gaining traction as a conservative commentator and podcast host. His role in promoting the Make America Great Again movement notably included disseminating misinformation regarding the 2020 presidential election.

Before making his mark in media, Bongino was a New York Police Department officer from 1997 to 1999. He later became a familiar face on Fox News, hosting a Saturday night program from 2021 to 2023, while currently running one of Spotify’s popular podcasts, The Dan Bongino Show.

Though he has pursued political office multiple times, including Senate and congressional races in Maryland and Florida, Bongino has not secured a seat. His advocacy for reforming the Secret Service was highlighted in a recent interview, where he emphasized the agency’s deficiencies and criticized its handling of security threats.

As the FBI’s second-in-command, Bongino will assume critical responsibilities in law enforcement operations, navigating a challenging political landscape while working under Patel’s leadership.

Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York contributed to this report.