Dan Bongino, a former police officer and Secret Service agent turned conservative commentator, has been appointed as the deputy director of the FBI.
President Donald Trump announced the decision on his social media platform on Sunday night, stating that newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel selected Bongino for the position.
Unlike previous deputy directors, who were usually long-serving FBI agents with deep experience in law enforcement, Bongino has never worked for the agency.
His appointment marks a major shift in how the bureau’s leadership is structured.
Since the deputy director role does not require Senate confirmation, Trump has effectively placed two of his loyalists at the top of the FBI.
The announcement came shortly after the FBI Agents Association informed its members that Patel had previously acknowledged the importance of having an experienced FBI agent in the role.
This revelation has added to concerns among agents about the agency’s future direction.
The FBI has not issued any public comment on the appointment.
Traditionally, the deputy director is responsible for overseeing the bureau’s daily operations, working with international partners, and handling sensitive investigations.
The selection of Bongino, who lacks experience in these areas, has raised concerns about how the agency will function under his leadership.