WH: ‘A Lot of People’ Should Be ‘Very, Very Nervous’ About Bongino’s FBI Appointment
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a strong statement to those in Washington expressing concerns about Dan Bongino’s selection as the Deputy Director of the FBI.
President Donald Trump appointed the conservative commentator to a key leadership role in the federal law enforcement agency. Bongino, a former special agent with the Secret Service, does not currently hold a position within the federal government.
During her press briefing, Leavitt addressed questions regarding his qualifications, emphasizing that his background makes him particularly formidable in the role.
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?”
“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,” Leavitt responded.
“He understands the depths of the corruption at these institutions, which the American people re-elected President Trump to shake up. And I think it is quite despicable to see many networks in this room who have had chyrons on their television screen labeling Mr. Bongino as a ‘far-right podcaster,’” Leavitt continued.
She elaborated further, stating, “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. 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.”
WATCH:
In an emotional message to his audience on Monday morning, Bongino announced that he will be stepping away from political commentary.
Bongino, now set to serve as the Deputy Director of the FBI under Director Kash Patel, spoke about his commitment to the new role. As a former Secret Service agent and ardent Trump supporter, he stated he was “focused on getting to work” within the bureau.
“It’s not going to be the last show, but we’ve only got a few more left with you,” Bongino shared with 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.”
“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,” he added.
Bongino reassured his audience that his departure would not impact the content produced by his wife and daughters, as they 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,” he concluded.
WATCH:
President Trump officially announced Bongino’s appointment on Sunday night through a post on Truth Social, describing him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.”
Trump shared the news on his platform: “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!”
Following up, 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 to the announcement with a simple message: “Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel.”