In a major shake-up at the FBI, President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator Dan Bongino has been appointed as Deputy Director of the Bureau. The move comes just days after newly-confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel took the helm, marking a significant shift in leadership within the agency.
Trump took to Truth Social to share the news, praising Bongino as a patriot willing to leave behind a lucrative career in media to serve his country once again.
“Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice!” the president wrote. “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.”
🚨 President Donald J. Trump names @dbongino as Deputy Director of the FBI.
Congratulations, Dan! pic.twitter.com/p0sABQCFx3
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 24, 2025
Bongino’s credentials are well-established. With a master’s degree in psychology from C.U.N.Y. and an MBA from Penn State, he brings both academic and field experience to the role. He previously served in the New York Police Department before moving on to the Secret Service, where he was tasked with protecting high-profile officials, including presidents. In recent years, he has gained prominence as a conservative commentator, hosting a popular podcast and radio show. Now, he is stepping back into public service at a time when the FBI faces intense scrutiny and calls for reform.
Trump emphasized that Bongino would be working alongside newly-confirmed Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director Patel to restore integrity to the Justice Department. “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 declared.
Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel. pic.twitter.com/bJqIDbWLEE
— Dan Bongino (@dbongino) February 24, 2025
Bongino responded to the announcement with gratitude, thanking Trump, Bondi, and Patel for the opportunity. His appointment signals a new era for the FBI, one likely to be defined by efforts to rebuild public trust and overhaul policies that have been criticized in recent years.
Patel’s confirmation was not without controversy. His appointment was confirmed largely along party lines, with moderate Republicans Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins siding with Democrats in opposition. Despite these hurdles, Patel now leads an FBI poised for significant change, with Bongino as his right-hand man.