WH: ‘A Lot of People’ Should Be ‘Very, Very Nervous’ About Bongino’s FBI Appointment
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a firm statement regarding concerns in Washington over Dan Bongino’s selection as deputy director of the FBI.
President Donald Trump appointed the conservative commentator to a top position within the federal law enforcement agency on Sunday. Previously, Bongino served as a Secret Service special agent and is not currently part of the federal government.
During a press briefing, Leavitt emphasized that Bongino’s credentials make him a formidable choice when questioned about his appointment.
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 went on to say, “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.”
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On Monday morning, Bongino spoke directly to his audience in an emotional message, stating he would no longer be providing political commentary.
Bongino, who has now taken on the role of Deputy Director of the FBI under Director Kash Patel, shared his thoughts on this transition. A former Secret Service agent and staunch Trump supporter, he expressed his commitment to the bureau’s mission.
“It’s not going to be the last show, but we’ve only got a few more left with you,” Bongino said. “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.
He reassured his audience that while his departure would mark a change, the content created by his wife and daughters would remain unaffected as they continue 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 announced the appointment on Sunday night via a Truth Social post, highlighting Bongino’s deep patriotism.
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 followed up with another statement: “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 simply: “Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel.”