In a surprising turn of events, Dan Bongino, a well-known right-wing commentator, has joined the FBI as its deputy director. He made this announcement during the last episode of his podcast, where he acknowledged the need for a significant shift in his approach. Bongino emphasized that he would avoid political involvement, stating, “I have to stay out of the political space because it’s the right thing to do and it’s the rules.”
Bongino started his new role on Monday, marking a notable change at the FBI. He will work alongside Kash Patel, the agency’s director, to oversee approximately 38,000 employees. This duo represents a shift towards a more partisan leadership, as both are known for their strong loyalty to former President Trump. Their combined experience is the least of any leadership pair in the FBI’s history.
Patel has already drawn attention for his decisions since taking office. He has reversed an earlier promise to appoint a seasoned agent as his second-in-command. Instead, he is making significant changes within the agency, including plans to decentralize the command structure and reassign personnel at headquarters. Additionally, Patel has been active on social media, addressing various theories circulating in right-wing media outlets.
As Bongino steps into this role, many are watching closely to see if he will uphold his commitment to remain nonpartisan. His past as a provocative pundit raises questions about how he will balance his new responsibilities with his previous public persona. The coming months will reveal how this leadership change will impact the FBI and its operations.