Trump Appoints Bongino, Reshapes FBI Leadership

President Donald Trump has appointed Dan Bongino, a former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator, as the new Deputy Director of the FBI, joining Kash Patel, another Trump loyalist, who was recently appointed as FBI Director. This move has sparked criticism due to Bongino's lack of FBI experience and his controversial past, including spreading conspiracy theories about the agency. Despite these concerns, Trump praised Bongino's dedication and patriotism. The appointments of both Patel and Bongino, neither of whom have prior FBI experience, have raised alarm among current and former FBI officials who fear the agency's politicization. The decision contradicts Patel's prior agreement with the FBI Agents Association to appoint an active Special Agent to the deputy role, a tradition that has been followed for over a century. Bongino's appointment is part of broader changes at the FBI, which have seen the removal of several senior officials as Trump seeks to reshape the bureau's leadership.