With Dan Bongino stepping into the role of Deputy Director of the FBI, the message from President Donald Trump’s administration is loud and clear: change is coming to federal law enforcement. The appointment, announced on Sunday, places the former NYPD officer, Secret Service agent, and popular conservative commentator in one of the most influential positions within the Bureau. And while reactions poured in from across the political spectrum, one voice stood out—Auburn men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl, who issued a stark warning to the “bad guys” now facing a dramatically different FBI.
“Congratulations to my friend and great patriot Dan Bongino,” Pearl wrote on X. “The bad guys best keep their head on a swivel!”
Traditionally, the deputy FBI director has been a career FBI agent. That is particularly important when the director has no experience at the FBI. Donald Trump tonight announced he is appointing as deputy director Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and prolific conspiracy…
— Ken Dilanian (@KenDilanianNBC) February 24, 2025
That sentiment encapsulates what many conservatives see as a long-overdue course correction at the FBI. Trump has repeatedly criticized the Bureau for its handling of politically charged investigations, vowing to restore fairness and integrity to an institution that, in his view, has been weaponized for partisan purposes. With Bongino joining FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, Trump is assembling a law enforcement team that aligns with his vision for law and order.
Kash Patel should have been a redline. Bongino is what you get when R Senators fail to do their jobs and say no to Patel. The Trump Admin is turning federal law enforcement over to unqualified, unprincipled, partisan henchmen. It’s unacceptable and conservatives need to say so.
— Gregg Nunziata (@greggnunziata) February 24, 2025
Bongino’s credentials are indisputable. With a master’s degree in psychology from the City University of New York and an MBA from Penn State, he has both the academic background and real-world experience necessary for the role. He served with the NYPD before becoming a highly respected Special Agent in the Secret Service, where he protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. More recently, he built a massive following as a political commentator, bringing law enforcement and national security issues to the forefront of public discussion.
Dan Bongino, new dep director of FBI—runs the daily show—was a regular guest on Alex Jones show, tip-toeing close to Sandy Hook & Protocols of Elders of Zion conspiracy theories. He’s also known for screaming at reporters & threatening people on Twitter. Fox News thought he was “unglued.”
— Jeff Sharlet (@jeffsharlet.bsky.social) February 24, 2025 at 7:35 AM
Trump highlighted these achievements in his Truth Social announcement, celebrating Bongino’s commitment to the country. “Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF THE FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel,” he wrote.
Dan Bongino being put in at the FBI is hilarious.
How long do folks think it will be until they try to arrest Obama?
Bongino’s appointment signals a major shift in the FBI’s leadership structure. Under Patel, the Bureau is expected to undergo significant reforms, likely focusing on depoliticizing investigations, restoring public trust, and prioritizing national security threats. Critics may bristle at the changes, but for Trump’s supporters, it’s a necessary step toward accountability.
I didn’t think it could be any worse, but Dan Bongino for Deputy Director of the FBI is a new low
— TheHumanPhonebook (@humanphonebook.bsky.social) February 24, 2025 at 8:42 AM
With Bongino leaving behind a lucrative media career to serve in this role, his commitment is clear. Trump himself underscored Bongino’s personal sacrifices, writing, “He is now one of the most successful Podcasters in the Country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve.”
