Trump Names Ex-Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino as FBI Deputy Director

On the evening of Sunday, February 23, 2025, President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to announce the appointment. Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent turned conservative media personality, would serve as the next Deputy Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Who Is Dan Bongino?

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Dan Bongino began his career in law enforcement as an officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) from 1995 to 1999. He then transitioned to the U.S. Secret Service, serving from 1999 to 2011, including time on the protective details for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. After leaving federal service, Bongino pivoted to politics and media, running for Senate in Maryland in 2012 and for Congress in 2014 and 2016.

It was in the media realm where Bongino found his footing. He became a prominent conservative voice, hosting “The Dan Bongino Show,” a daily radio program and podcast syndicated by Westwood One and Cumulus Media, and briefly fronting a weekend show on Fox News from 2021 to 2023. Known for his fiery rhetoric, Bongino has built a loyal audience through his unapologetic support of Trump, criticism of federal institutions like the FBI, and amplification of claims such as the 2020 election being stolen. His platform on Rumble, has further cemented his influence, with his streams often leading in viewership metrics.

Bongino’s educational credentials include a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Psychology from the City University of New York (CUNY), adding a layer of analytical expertise to his law enforcement experience. Trump highlighted this in his announcement, calling Bongino “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country” who would work alongside Kash Patel, the newly sworn-in FBI Director, to restore “Fairness, Justice, Law and Order” to America.

The Announcement

Trump’s post on Truth Social at 8:42 PM EST on February 23 read: “Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice! Dan Bongino… has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel.” A follow-up message praised Bongino’s family life, noting his wife Paula and two daughters, suggesting a personal dimension to his public persona. Bongino quickly responded on X, thanking Trump, Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi, signaling his readiness to step into the role—and likely away from his media empire, a sacrifice Trump noted he was “willing and prepared” to make.

Context on the FBI

Since January 2025, the Justice Department has forced out several senior officials, including former Director Christopher Wray, who resigned at the end of President Biden’s term after serving since 2017. Interim leaders Brian Driscoll and Robert Kissane have struggled to stabilize the bureau amid scrutiny over its role in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot investigations and a contentious standoff with acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove, who demanded the names of agents involved in Trump-related probes, a highly unusual request.

Patel, sworn in days ago, has already signaled sweeping changes, including relocating hundreds of employees from the Washington, D.C., headquarters and refocusing the FBI on traditional crime-fighting over intelligence-gathering. Bongino, as Deputy Director, will be the second-in-command, traditionally responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across the FBI’s 54 field offices and 38,000 employees.

Celebration and Alarm

Conservative figures like Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert called it “everything,” while Charlie Kirk of Turning Point USA dubbed Bongino a “great patriot” whose appointment marks an “upgrade” for America. Posts on X likened Bongino and Patel to “chemotherapy” for a diseased FBI, predicting forced retirements and a leaner bureaucracy. Supporters see Bongino’s Secret Service tenure and outsider perspective as assets to root out perceived deep state elements.

Critics, however, are sounding alarms. Democratic voices and groups like Republicans Against Trump have labeled Bongino a “conspiracy theorist” unfit for the role, citing his election fraud claims and past calls for mass FBI firings. Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl’s quip about “bad guys” facing justice under Bongino added a lighter, yet still partisan, note to the discourse.

Implications for the FBI

Alongside Patel, he could steer the agency toward Trump’s vision, potentially prioritizing what the American people voted for. Plans to restructure the FBI, such as slashing its D.C. footprint, may accelerate under their leadership, reshaping the mission and morale.

For American justice, the stakes are high. Supporters argue this duo will restore public trust by refocusing on crime over political investigations, while critics fear a weaponized FBI targeting Trump’s opposition. Bongino’s media background could also amplify the agency’s public messaging, for better or worse, in an era of heightened polarization.

Final Take

Dan Bongino’s ascent to FBI Deputy Director, announced on February 23, 2025, is a flashpoint in the ongoing battle over America’s institutions. It reflects both the excitement of Trump’s base and the apprehension of his opponents. Whether this move heralds a return to “law and order” or a slide into politicized governance remains to be seen. For now, Bongino’s transition from podcast mic to FBI brass ensures the conversation will persist.