Staff Reports
Dan Bongino, recently sworn in as FBI deputy director, sparked widespread debate with a social media post addressing claims of systemic issues within the bureau. He declared the FBI is “really bad” due to entrenched political bias and corruption, vowing to “clean house” by removing officials he alleges prioritized partisan agendas over impartial justice. This followed a New York Times report detailing internal FBI communications about potential mass firings of agents linked to investigations into former President Trump, which Bongino dismissed as “fake news”.
### Background on Bongino’s Appointment
Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, was selected by FBI Director Kash Patel—a Trump ally—to help overhaul the bureau. Critics argue the pairing undermines the FBI’s traditional independence, as both have publicly accused the agency of targeting conservatives and vowed to dismantle its current structure. Bongino previously called the FBI “irredeemably corrupt” and suggested defunding it, but now claims he’ll focus on restoring its mission to combat crimes like drug trafficking and terrorism.
### The Controversy
– : Leaked emails reveal plans to dismiss agents tied to Trump-related probes, including the Mar-a-Lago documents case and January 6 investigations. Bongino defended these moves, stating, “Everyone who stood by while corruption festered must go”.
– : The NYT framed the purges as politically motivated, while Bongino and Patel argue they’re eliminating “rotten apples” to depoliticize the bureau.
– : Conservatives praised Bongino’s stance, with Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) declaring, “The FBI is back in business”. Liberals and FBI veterans warn the shakeup could cripple national security operations and erode trust in law enforcement.
### Bongino’s Vision
In his post, Bongino emphasized prioritizing “the rule of law over political vendettas” and ensuring the FBI focuses on “actual threats, not partisan witch hunts”. He cited the bureau’s handling of recent swatting incidents targeting conservatives as evidence of misplaced priorities. Patel echoed this, stating their leadership will “get to work” rebuilding the agency’s reputation.
Critics note Bongino’s history of promoting conspiracy theories, including unfounded claims about FBI election interference and January 6 pipe bombs. His transition from attacking the FBI to leading it has raised ethical concerns, particularly given his recent podcast promotions of prepper supplies and VPNs. Supporters, however, view his outsider status as an asset to root out longstanding biases.
The debate underscores a broader conservative push to reshape federal agencies, with Bongino’s post crystallizing tensions over the FBI’s role in a politically divided era.
