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WASHINGTON (AP) — Dan Bongino, a distinguished former U.S. Secret Service agent known for his bestselling books and conservative media presence, has been appointed as the new deputy director of the FBI.
The announcement was made by President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, where he expressed admiration for Bongino, describing him as “a man of incredible love and passion for our Country.” Trump characterized the appointment as “great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice.”
Bongino’s placement in this pivotal role underscores a significant alignment within the FBI’s leadership, as both he and Kash Patel, the newly sworn-in FBI director, are strong allies of the Trump administration. Their ascension raises concerns among Democratic lawmakers regarding potential conflicts stemming from their conservative backgrounds.
Insights Into the Role
As deputy director, Bongino will be the second-highest official in the FBI and is expected to oversee the agency’s daily law enforcement functions—a position traditionally held by career agents.
At 49, Bongino’s career has traversed various paths, starting with his roles in security details for Presidents Obama and Bush. He later emerged as a prominent figure among conservative commentators, notably within the Make America Great Again movement, where he propagated unfounded claims regarding the legitimacy of the 2020 election.
Following Rush Limbaugh’s passing in 2021, Bongino took on a radio show that filled the late commentator’s time slot, further increasing his visibility.
Bongino, whose career in law enforcement began with the New York Police Department from 1997 to 1999, joined the Secret Service afterward. Over the past decade, he has contributed commentary for Fox News and hosted a Saturday night program until 2023. Currently, he is the host of The Dan Bongino Show, which ranks among the top podcasts on Spotify.
His political ambitions included a run for the U.S. Senate seat in Maryland in 2012, as well as attempts for congressional positions in 2014 and 2016 in both Maryland and Florida, all of which ended in defeat.
In a discussion last fall, Bongino criticized the Secret Service as a “failed” agency, highlighting a need for reform. He specifically mentioned two assassination attempts against Trump during the previous year, referring to an individual who allegedly camped near Trump’s golf course in West Palm Beach, Florida, before being seen with a rifle.
During the same conversation, Trump acknowledged the competence of the Secret Service agent who identified the potential threat when the rifle was spotted.
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This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Ali Swenson in New York.
Source
www.yahoo.com