Overview

• Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative media figure, has been appointed FBI deputy director by President Donald Trump, despite lacking prior FBI experience.
• Critics, including FBI veterans and Democrats, argue Bongino's appointment emphasizes loyalty over qualifications, potentially undermining the agency's independence and morale.
• FBI Director Kash Patel, also appointed by Trump, has faced similar criticism for his lack of FBI experience and plans to reform the agency's priorities and structure.
• Supporters of Bongino and Patel view their appointments as necessary to address alleged politicization within the FBI and to implement sweeping changes aligned with Trump's agenda.
• Bongino has been an outspoken critic of the FBI's past leadership and investigations into Trump, and his new role signals a continuation of efforts to reshape the agency.