Trump Loyalists Seize Control of FBI as Bongino Joins Forces: What It Means for America

In a surprising twist, Dan Bongino, known for his right-wing commentary, is stepping into the F.B.I.’s deputy director role. He promises to shift away from partisanship—an ambitious claim given his history of criticizing the agency. Joining Director Kash Patel, they represent a departure from traditional leadership, lacking extensive F.B.I. experience. Bongino, who has never been an F.B.I. agent, is set to oversee a bureau of about 38,000 staff members. Patel’s recent restructuring, including relocating 1,500 agents, raises questions about the future of the agency. Both leaders face scrutiny as they balance their new positions with their previous critiques of the F.B.I.—a critical test for their leadership and credibility. Will they be able to uphold the bureau’s tradition of independence?