President Donald Trump has named Dan Bongino as the next deputy director of the FBI.
"Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice," Trump posted on Truth Social. He praised Bongino as a patriot and said he’d serve under "the best ever Director," Kash Patel.
Bongino holds a Master’s in Psychology from the City University of New York and an MBA from Penn State. He previously worked as a New York police officer and a Secret Service special agent.
"He is now one of the most successful podcasters in the country," Trump wrote. "Something he is willing and prepared to give up to serve." He added that Bongino will work alongside Attorney General Pam Bondi and Director Patel to restore "Fairness, Justice, Law, and Order" in America.
Trump also highlighted Bongino’s family. "He has a great wife, Paula, and two wonderful daughters who truly love their dad," he said. "What an incredible job Dan will do!!!"
Bongino, a former Fox News host, responded quickly on X. "Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General Bondi, and Director Patel," he wrote.
Patel was sworn in as the ninth FBI director on Friday after a close 51-49 Senate vote.
Known for challenging Trump-related investigations, Patel promised in his confirmation hearing that he wouldn’t seek political retribution. However, his leadership arrives at a time of intense scrutiny over the FBI’s actions.
During Trump’s first term, Patel held key national security roles, including chief of staff to the acting defense secretary and senior advisor to the director of national intelligence.