The Rise of Dan Bongino: A Right-Wing Phenomenon
Dan Bongino, a prominent right-wing podcaster and media personality, has built his career on a mix of brash conservatism, conspiracy theories, and a knack for storytelling. In 2018, Bongino shared a tale of triumph with his audience, recounting a panel discussion on the "deep state," a topic he claims expertise in. According to Bongino, the moderator, Vince Houghton, a military historian, was a closet liberal who couldn’t keep up with Bongino’s intellectual prowess, resorting to profanity. Bongino claimed he stormed off the stage, ripping the microphone from the moderator, and the crowd—200-plus people—followed him in solidarity. This narrative, much like others Bongino has shared, is a mix of fact and fabrication. While the confrontation did happen, the reality was more nuanced. The moderator called Bongino an "idiot, moron, and deranged" in response, and only half the crowd left with him; the other half remained and cheered his departure. Additionally, Bongino allegedly threw a water bottle at the moderator before leaving, a detail that undermines his portrayal as a man overwhelmed by reason.
A Career Built on Controversy and Loyalty
Bongino’s rise to prominence is a testament to his unwavering loyalty to Donald Trump and his ability to tap into the grievances of the MAGA movement. Despite his controversial past, Bongino was appointed as the deputy director of the FBI by Trump in 2023. This move shocked even those accustomed to the unpredictability of Trump’s administration. The FBI’s new director, Kash Patel, another Trump loyalist, initially promised to elevate career officials within the bureau. However, after the agency resisted demands to hand over the names of agents involved in the January 6 insurrection investigation, Trump deemed the FBI in need of more political control. Patel welcomed Bongino’s appointment, expressing confidence in his "vigor and enthusiasm" to steer the organization in the "right direction." This "direction" is likely to align with Trump’s agenda, raising concerns about the politicization of the FBI.
From Secret Service to Right-Wing Media Star
Bongino’s journey to the FBI began long before his affiliation with Trump. A former Secret Service agent, he resigned in 2011, citing disgust with the agency’s performance. He then pursued a career in politics, running unsuccessfully for office in Maryland and later in Florida. After failing to secure a seat in Congress, Bongino turned to right-wing media, where he found success as a podcaster and author. He has written eight books, many of which focus on his time in the Secret Service and his theories about the Trump-Russia scandal. His writings are less about intellectual rigor and more about reinforcing his audience’s existing beliefs. Bongino’s books often rehash the same ideas, presenting selective evidence to support his claims while ignoring inconvenient facts. For instance, he disputes the U.S. intelligence community’s conclusion that Russia hacked Democratic emails in 2016, arguing instead that Russia likely preferred Hillary Clinton due to her supposed ideological alignment with Marxist principles—a theory that stretches credibility.
The "Deep State" and the Trump-Russia Conspiracy
Bongino’s claim to fame rests on his theories about the "deep state" and the Trump-Russia scandal, which he refers to as "Spygate." In his book Spygate: The Attempted Sabotage of Donald J. Trump, Bongino argues that the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election was a conspiracy orchestrated by the Obama administration, the Clinton campaign, and the FBI. He portrays Trump as the victim of a sustained effort to delegitimize his presidency. Bongino’s narrative is selective, downplaying or ignoring evidence of Russian involvement while amplifying any detail that could be spun to support his claims. For example, he defends Donald Trump Jr.’s decision to meet with Russians offering dirt on Clinton, framing it as a pragmatic choice rather than a potential violation of ethics or law. Bongino’s arguments often hinge on flawed logic and a failure to engage with contradictory evidence. For instance, he struggles to explain why the FBI, if it truly intended to sabotage Trump, waited until after the election to reveal its investigation.
The "Biggest Scandal in FBI History"
Bongino’s conspiracy theories extend beyond the Trump-Russia scandal. In January 2023, he suggested that the FBI was covering up the identity of the individual who planted pipe bombs near the Democratic and Republican National Committees on the eve of January 6, 2021. According to Bongino, the bomber was an "insider," and the FBI’s alleged cover-up represents the "biggest scandal in FBI history." This claim, like many others, is based on speculation rather than evidence. It also reflects Bongino’s tendency to inflate the significance of any event that aligns with his worldview while dismissing or downplaying those that contradict it. With Bongino now in a position of power at the FBI, there are concerns that he will use his role to advance his theories and further politicize the bureau.
The Implications of Bongino’s Appointment
Dan Bongino’s appointment as deputy director of the FBI is a concerning development for those who value the agency’s independence and professionalism. Bongino’s career has been defined by his loyalty to Trump and his willingness to promote baseless conspiracy theories. His rise from a failed politician to a right-wing media personality and now a high-ranking official in the FBI reflects the blurred lines between politics and law enforcement in the Trump era. As Bongino assumes his new role, there is little doubt that he will bring his "vigor and enthusiasm" to the job, driving the FBI in a direction that aligns with Trump’s agenda. This may prove to be a dangerous turn for an agency already reeling from accusations of politicization. With Bongino at the helm, the FBI’s credibility may be further eroded, and the "scandals" he inventions may become the defining narrative of his tenure.
