Dan Bongino Emerges as the Eccentric Figure in the Trump Administration's FBI Leadership

Starting June 23, this newsletter will shift to a Monday morning publication schedule, with a brief pause until then.

While the top officials of the Trump administration have often been characterized by their erratic behavior, an equally peculiar dynamic exists just beneath the surface.

Enter Dan Bongino.

For those less familiar, Bongino is a former police officer and Secret Service agent who has gained popularity as a right-wing podcast host. He was unexpectedly appointed as the FBI’s deputy director, a role that raised eyebrows given his lack of traditional qualifications. Observers suggest this appointment may have been intended to complement Kash Patel, the FBI’s first deputy director, who is similarly uncredentialed. Together, Bongino and Patel form a peculiar pair closely aligned with former President Trump.

This unusual duo’s oddity was highlighted last week when Bongino appeared on Fox News for a notably erratic and self-absorbed interview.

The interview appeared to be part of a recent attempt by Bongino and Patel to placate right-wing supporters frustrated by the lack of concrete revelations regarding alleged corruption within the FBI. Both men have previously been vocal critics, often promoting conspiracy theories and stirring political outrage, yet have delivered little substantive evidence since taking their posts.