Before F.B.I. Rise, Bongino Ignited Right-Wing Skepticism

Dan Bongino’s Controversial Claims and Upcoming Role at the FBI

On a recent episode of his widely followed podcast, Dan Bongino, a prominent right-wing commentator, made a sensational assertion regarding the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. He claimed that the pipe bombs discovered near the Capitol that day were part of “an inside job,” suggesting that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is aware of the identity of the individual behind the act. This theory, which lacks substantial evidence, has gained traction within certain right-wing circles, despite the FBI’s longstanding inability to pinpoint a suspect after years of investigation and a substantial reward of $500,000.

Bongino’s confident proclamations hint at a significant shift in direction under his anticipated leadership at the FBI as its deputy director— a role that places him in charge of high-profile and sensitive operations within the agency. His position will not only grant him access to classified intelligence but will also expose him to the myriad rumors and false claims that agents often receive from the public and informants.

In discussing his recent appointment, Bongino, who previously ran for political office but ultimately found his niche as a combative online supporter of former President Donald Trump, expressed his awareness of the complexities involved in navigating his new responsibilities. “We play different roles in our life and each one requires a different skill set,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to realizing the vision set forth by Trump and key figures like Attorney General Pam Bondi and incoming FBI Director Kash Patel.

Just days prior, Bongino featured a clip of Stephen Miller, a senior White House adviser, who articulated that “the existential threat to democracy is the unelected bureaucracy.” According to Miller, there is a disconnection between the American electorate, which desires radical reform at the FBI, and agents within the agency who resist such changes. Bongino has exhibited a consistent call for sweeping reform, particularly in light of his criticisms of the FBI’s actions during both the Trump administration and the 2016 election cycle.

Mr. Bongino has voiced strong opposition against the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, which oversees national security cases, criticizing how the FBI conducted surveillance of a former Trump campaign adviser linked to Russia. Moreover, he has demanded the dismissal of agents involved in the court-approved search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.

This appointment of Bongino, a former New York City police officer and Secret Service agent, marks a departure from the FBI’s tradition of selecting experienced special agents from within its ranks for top positions. Historically, the deputy director has been a seasoned veteran familiar with agency protocols. Critics argue that Bongino’s rise as a media personality has been significantly influenced by his promotion of misinformation, especially regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 presidential election, and various FBI-related matters.

In 2022, he faced a ban from YouTube due to recurrent violations of its misinformation policies, particularly concerning videos that inaccurately undermined the effectiveness of mask-wearing during the pandemic. Bongino began his podcast in 2015, and though he previously collaborated with Fox News and the now-defunct NRA streaming service, his fame significantly escalated amidst the uncertainties surrounding the 2020 election results.

Throughout the tumultuous 2020 election period, Bongino emerged as a loud voice questioning President Joe Biden’s victory. During a November 2020 episode featuring former New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, Bongino brushed off an outrageous allegation that Dominion Voting Systems was engaged in misconduct with voting software. Giuiliani’s unsubstantiated claim was met with Bongino’s incredulity, yet his allure as a right-wing pundit only intensified amidst the deluge of election-linked misinformation.

Last week, Bongino continued to illustrate his penchant for dramatic discourse, offering survival tips on his podcast regarding how to evade a hypothetical would-be murderer. He also revisited a recurring theme: the investigation into alleged conspiracies involving the Trump campaign and Russia’s efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election.

Consistently echoing Trump’s sentiment, Bongino has asserted that this investigation was a mere tactic aimed at sabotaging the former president’s career. “I don’t want to move on” from this case, he emphasized, declaring his desire to uncover the truth to prevent similar situations in the future.

As he readies himself to take on his new responsibilities at the FBI, Bongino has assured his audience that he will remain engaged with political discourse, promising to continue his podcasting efforts in the week ahead. His upcoming tenure at the FBI, embodying a blend of combative rhetoric and controversial perspectives, raises significant questions about the future direction of the agency and its accountability, amid a landscape charged with political polarization.