A Post From Dan Bonjino, Deputy Director of The FBI, and Former Secret Service Agent
Via X/Twitter:
"During my tenure here as the Deputy Director of the FBI, I have repeatedly relayed to you that things are happening that might not be immediately visible, but they are happening.
The Director and I are committed to stamping out public corruption and the political weaponization of both law enforcement and intelligence operations. It is a priority for us. But what I have learned in the course of our properly predicated and necessary investigations into these aforementioned matters, has shocked me down to my core. We cannot run a Republic like this. I’ll never be the same after learning what I’ve learned.
We are going to conduct these righteous and proper investigations by the book and in accordance with the law. We are going to get the answers WE ALL DESERVE. As with any investigation, I cannot predict where it will land, but I can promise you an honest and dignified effort at truth. Not “my truth,” or “your truth,” but THE TRUTH.
God bless America, and all those who defend Her.
Respectfully,
Dan"
Who Is Dan Bonjino?
Dan Bongino: From NYPD Beat to the Secret Service, then a show on FOX News, and now FBI Deputy Director
Dan Bongino’s journey embodies a uniquely American arc—a fusion of law enforcement grit, media stardom, and political ambition that culminated in his controversial appointment as Deputy Director of the FBI in 2025. His career reflects the volatile intersection of conservative media and government service in modern U.S. politics.
Early Career and Law Enforcement Foundations
Born in Queens, New York, in 1974, Bongino’s path began with academic pursuits in psychology. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the field from Queens College before adding an MBA from Pennsylvania State University. His law enforcement career launched in 1995 as an NYPD officer, where he served four years before joining the U.S. Secret Service in 1999.
As a Secret Service agent, Bongino received a Department of Justice award for financial fraud investigations and rose to the elite Presidential Protective Division in 2006. He protected both Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, coordinating high-stakes visits to war zones and global summits. His resignation in 2011—to pursue politics—drew criticism from colleagues who accused him of leveraging his service for publicity.
Media Ascendancy and Political Campaigns
After leaving government service, Bongino pivoted to media and politics with equal fervor. He launched The Dan Bongino Show, a podcast that grew into a conservative media powerhouse with 8.5 million radio listeners at its peak. Simultaneously, he mounted three unsuccessful Republican campaigns:
- 2012 U.S. Senate race in Maryland (lost to Democrat Ben Cardin)
- 2014 Congressional bid (narrowly defeated by 1.5%)
- 2016 Florida House race (third in primary)
His media presence amplified during the Trump era. He became a Fox News host and founded the Bongino Report as a conservative alternative to the Drudge Report. His provocative style sparked controversies, including:
- A permanent YouTube ban in 2022 for COVID-19 misinformation
- A public clash with Cumulus Media over vaccine mandates
- Temporary Twitter suspensions for disputing election integrity claims
Table: Key Career Milestones
| Year | Event |
|----------|-----------|
| 1995–1999 | Served as NYPD officer |
| 2006–2011 | Protected Presidents Bush/Obama (Secret Service) |
| 2012–2016 | Ran for Senate (MD) and Congress (MD/FL) |
| 2019 | Launched Bongino Report |
| 2021 | Hosted Unfiltered on Fox News |
| 2025 | Appointed FBI Deputy Director |
FBI Leadership and Epstein Controversy
In February 2025, President Trump appointed Bongino as Deputy FBI Director under Director Kash Patel—a role not requiring Senate confirmation. His transition from media firebrand to law enforcement leader was rocky. Colleagues expressed concern about his history of inflammatory commentary, particularly regarding conspiracy theories about the "Deep State" and the Robert Mueller investigation.
By July 2025, Bongino faced a career-defining crisis during the Justice Department’s review of Jeffrey Epstein’s death. He clashed fiercely with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of Epstein files, arguing for greater transparency while Bondi’s DOJ concluded Epstein died by suicide with no "client list". Key flashpoints included:
- Bongino’s discovery of a surveillance video from Epstein’s jail (later criticized for a 60-second gap)
- Accusations he leaked claims that the FBI wanted more disclosures
- Threats to resign after Bondi briefed Trump that his name appeared in Epstein documents
The feud exposed Bongino’s struggle to adapt to institutional norms. As one FBI lawyer warned, his media instincts conflicted with the bureau’s discretion. Though he returned to work after a brief absence, his relationship with the White House remained strained.
Political Identity and Legacy
Throughout his career, Bongino embraced combative partisanship, declaring in 2018: "My entire life right now is about owning the libs". A member of the conservative "Groundswell" network, he amplified theories like "Spygate" and dismissed the Trump-Russia investigation as a "scam". His appointment to the FBI symbolized Trump’s effort to reshape the bureau in his ideological image.
Health struggles also marked his journey. In 2020, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma after a neck tumor discovery but announced he had "beaten" cancer in 2021.
Conclusion: The Unconventional Enforcer
Dan Bongino represents a new model of government servant: a media-savvy operator whose ascent reflects the blurring lines between commentary and governance. His FBI tenure—defined by the Epstein turmoil—highlights tensions between populist expectations and institutional realities. Whether navigating jailhouse surveillance tapes or White House feuds, Bongino remains a polarizing figure whose career embodies America’s era of political disruption. As the Epstein saga unfolds, his capacity to balance his partisan past with his law enforcement present will determine his legacy at the FBI.
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