In a highly visible and unconventional leadership decision, former Secret Service agent and conservative media personality Dan Bongino was appointed Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in early 2025. The appointment was made by FBI Director Kash Patel, a close ally of President Donald Trump.
The move marked a significant departure from long-standing precedent. Traditionally, the FBI’s deputy director role has been filled by a seasoned career agent from within the Bureau, making Bongino’s selection notable and controversial from the outset.
Bongino’s Criticism of Adam Schiff and the Russia Investigation
Before and during his tenure, Bongino was an outspoken critic of prominent Democratic figures, including Rep. Adam Schiff. He frequently challenged Schiff’s role in the Russia investigation and the House January 6 Committee, characterizing both efforts as politically driven rather than evidence-based.
Bongino argued that these investigations undermined public trust in federal institutions and distorted scrutiny of the 2016 and 2020 election cycles. While these views were consistent with his long-held public positions, claims circulating online that Schiff received a “pre-emptive pardon” from President Joe Biden are not supported by verified reporting. No major news organization or credible source has confirmed such a pardon.
Schiff and other lawmakers involved in the January 6 inquiry have consistently defended their work, stating that the investigation was a lawful and necessary response to the attack on the U.S. Capitol. Legal scholars have also noted that public criticism of elected officials or investigators does not, on its own, constitute evidence of wrongdoing. There are no verified reports linking Schiff to indictments or pardons related to his committee service.
What the Appointment Signaled
President Trump and his supporters framed Bongino’s appointment as part of a broader effort to address what they described as political bias within federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Bongino pledged to prioritize transparency, accountability, and a renewed focus on traditional law enforcement missions at the FBI.
However, critics—including current and former law enforcement officials—warned that elevating a partisan media figure to one of the FBI’s top leadership roles risked eroding the agency’s independence and credibility.
A Brief and Contentious Tenure
Bongino officially began serving as Deputy Director in March 2025. His tenure proved short and, at times, contentious, marked by internal disagreements and public friction with other senior officials.
In December 2025, Bongino announced his intention to step down, formally leaving the position in January 2026. President Trump publicly acknowledged his service and confirmed that Bongino planned to return to private life and resume his media career.
Looking Ahead
Bongino’s time at the FBI underscores ongoing debates about the role of politics in federal law enforcement leadership. Supporters view his appointment as a corrective measure aimed at challenging entrenched institutional bias, while critics argue it blurred the line between partisan advocacy and neutral administration of justice.
What’s your take on Bongino’s tenure and the broader questions it raises about political influence within federal agencies? Share your thoughts and join the discussion.
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