President Donald Trump has just revealed an appointment that has sparked significant controversy: Dan Bongino, a well-known far-right commentator and former Secret Service agent, has been chosen to serve as the Deputy Director of the FBI. The 50-year-old will work alongside his trusted ally, Kash Patel, who was confirmed by the Senate last week as the agency’s Director.
In an announcement made via his Truth Social platform, the president described Bongino as “a man of incredible love and passion for the country” and also highlighted his past as a member of the New York Police Department, the Secret Service, and his success as a podcaster.
However, Bongino’s appointment raises questions, given his extremist positions and the conspiracy theories he has promoted over the years. His name has often been associated with the spread of disinformation, particularly regarding the alleged “deep state” conspiracy a theory suggesting the existence of a hidden and secret network of individuals within governments, intelligence agencies, military forces, or other institutions, who act independently and influence politics and decisions without the direct control of elected leaders.
According to The New York Times in November 2020, Bongino also contributed to the allegations of voter fraud in that year’s presidential election, spreading falsehoods about Trump’s defeat.
With this choice, the Republican politician strengthens his ties with two of his most fervent supporters. The appointment of Bongino and Patel not only marks a new chapter in U.S. politics but could also ignite new controversies regarding the future of the agency and the administration of justice under the new leadership.
