President Donald Trump made a late-night announcement, naming former Fox News personality Dan Bongino as the Deputy FBI Director, sparking controversy yet again in his administration's high-profile picks for law enforcement positions.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump highlighted Bongino's extensive experience as a former New York police officer, U.S. Secret Service agent, and prominent podcaster. Bongino, a close ally of Trump known for promoting false claims about the 2020 election, expressed gratitude towards the President on social media Sunday night.
Bipartisan Concerns
Unlike the FBI Director, the appointment of the Deputy Director does not require Senate confirmation. The current FBI Director, Kash Patel, known for criticizing the agency's past investigations related to Trump, faced opposition during his confirmation. Notably, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, along with all Democrats, voiced their reservations. This departure from bipartisan support is uncommon for such high-profile appointments within the FBI.
Media Influence
Dan Bongino's podcast, 'The Dan Bongino Show,' has been a platform where he has voiced his opinions on various issues. In a recent episode, he commended Patel's rise to the agency's top position and criticized Democrats who opposed the nomination, emphasizing Patel's mandate to reform the agency.
Controversial Appointments
Bongino joins the list of unconventional and controversial picks made by Trump for key law enforcement roles. Previously, Trump's nomination of former Rep. Matt Gaetz for Attorney General faced obstacles due to ongoing ethics investigations. Subsequently, former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi was confirmed for the role.