WH: ‘A Lot of People’ Should Be ‘Very, Very Nervous’ About Bongino’s FBI Appointment
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a firm message to Washington insiders unsettled by Dan Bongino’s selection as deputy director of the FBI.
On Sunday, President Donald Trump appointed the conservative commentator to the second-highest position in the federal law enforcement agency. Bongino, who has a background as a special agent with the Secret Service, is not currently part of the federal government.
During a press briefing, Leavitt was asked about Bongino’s appointment and described his credentials as making him a formidable figure.
A reporter inquired, “One other one on the FBI, the president also announced deputy director, Dan Bongino. From what’s been reported, and maybe this is not accurate, you can tell me, the FBI director, Kash Patel, informed Republican Senators it would be an individual named as deputy who was a special agent currently at the FBI, and of course, Mr. Bongino is not. What was the reason for naming Mr. Bongino for this position? Was Mr. Patel not correct in making this assurance to those senators?”
Leavitt responded, “I’m not sure if anyone in this room has listened to Mr. Bongino when he talks about corruption at the FBI, when he talks about his experience in serving for the United States Secret Service. This is a man who loves his country and honorably served our country in ways that many have not.”
She continued, emphasizing Bongino’s awareness of “the depths of the corruption at these institutions,” which, she noted, the American people re-elected Trump to address. She criticized media outlets for labeling Bongino as a “‘far-right podcaster,’” calling it an unfair characterization.
“He is not. He is a former law enforcement agent, a former Secret Service agent who put his life on the line for this country, and that’s why the president has entrusted him in this important role,” Leavitt stated. “He’s also an outsider to this Washington swamp, and we often see when outsiders are appointed to such coveted positions, a lot of people in this city get very nervous and they should be. Because Dan Bongino, Director Patel, and Attorney General Bondi are focused on rooting out corruption at these agencies and ending the weaponization of government once and for all.”
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On Monday morning, Bongino spoke emotionally to his audience, announcing that he would no longer be involved in political commentary.
Now serving as Deputy Director of the FBI under Director Kash Patel, Bongino—a former Secret Service agent and outspoken Trump supporter—stated that he was “focused on getting to work” at the agency.
“It’s not going to be the last show, but we’ve only got a few more left with you,” Bongino told viewers. “So, obviously, we’re going to be working with a team of people to make this transition from me, political commentator Dan, to Deputy Director of the FBI Dan.”
He elaborated, saying, “Those are different roles that require different skills. Skills I have and have used before and I plan to use again. It’s going to hurt to leave you.”
Bongino reassured his audience that his departure would not affect content produced by his wife and daughters, who have played a significant role in managing his brand.
“The FBI belongs to the American people. It doesn’t belong to me. It doesn’t belong to anyone else but the American people. But this is the honor of a lifetime, and it’s a serious mission. And I plan on implementing that vision,” Bongino concluded.
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Trump made the announcement on Sunday night via Truth Social, praising Bongino as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.”
Posting on his account, Trump wrote, “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. Dan has a Masters Degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y., and an MBA from Penn State. 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. 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!”
Later, Trump added, “Another aspect of the life of Dan Bongino that I think is very important. He has a great wife, Paula, and two wonderful daughters who truly love their dad. What an incredible job Dan will do!!!”
On X, Bongino responded with a brief message: “Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel.”