In a surprising shakeup, President Donald Trump has appointed former Secret Service agent and conservative radio host Dan Bongino as the new Deputy Director of the FBI—just days after Bongino unleashed a fiery critique of Senator Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on his podcast.
Bongino Slams Schiff: “This Can’t Happen Again”
On The Dan Bongino Show, Bongino didn’t hold back, accusing Schiff of fueling what he called the “Russia collusion hoax”—a saga he described as one of the biggest political scandals in U.S. history.
“This was never about the truth,” Bongino said. “It was about creating a fake story to take down a duly elected president by using the intelligence community as a weapon. We can’t let this happen again.”
Bongino, who’s long been critical of FBI leadership, made it clear that he intends to push for internal reforms. His appointment signals a strong pivot in the bureau’s direction under Trump’s second term, especially regarding how it handles politically charged investigations.
Schiff’s Biden-Era Pardon Sparks Backlash
Adding fuel to the political fire, Schiff was granted a preemptive pardon by former President Joe Biden before Trump officially returned to office. The pardon shields Schiff from any legal fallout tied to his role on the January 6 Committee.
While Schiff downplayed the move—calling the pardon unnecessary and insisting he has “nothing to hide”—critics on the right saw it as a red flag. Many believe the pardon was a calculated effort by Biden to protect close allies before leaving office.
Jan. 6 Committee Leaders Push Back
Former committee members Rep. Bennie Thompson and Rep. Liz Cheney stood by their work in a joint statement, claiming their investigation was vital to protecting American democracy.
“The public has the right to know the truth about January 6,” they said.
But Trump allies, including Bongino, argue that the committee ignored critical evidence and crafted a one-sided narrative.
What Bongino’s Role Could Mean for the FBI
With Bongino stepping into this powerful new role, insiders expect big changes at the FBI. Known for his outspoken stance against the so-called “deep state,” Bongino is likely to:
Revisit past FBI investigations—especially those targeting Trump and his allies
Push for accountability among intelligence officials involved in the Russia probe
“If I have any say,” Bongino warned, “those responsible for misleading the American people will be held accountable.”
Now that Trump is back in the White House, speculation is swirling about whether Bongino and his team will pursue criminal investigations into Schiff, the FBI’s past leadership, and the Jan. 6 Committee’s handling of evidence.
Will Bongino deliver on his promise to expose what he calls “years of corruption”? Or will Schiff’s pardon be enough to keep him out of the spotlight?
Either way, Washington is gearing up for a fierce political showdown.