The Maverick of the F.B.I.
In a recent podcast episode, right-wing provocateur Dan Bongino unveiled a tantalizing claim: the imminent revelation that pipe bombs near the Capitol on January 6th were an inside job orchestrated by an elusive F.B.I. insider.
Bongino’s conspiratorial musings, a staple of his broadcast, hint at his unconventional approach as he prepares to ascend to the No. 2 position at the F.B.I. As Deputy Director, he will wield immense power, overseeing sensitive cases and the labyrinthine world of intelligence, rumor, and speculation.
Yet, acknowledging his transition from political outsider to law enforcement elite, Bongino struck a contemplative tone. “We play different roles in life,” he mused, “and each requires a unique skillset.” He professes to embrace the vision of former President Trump, Kash Patel, and Attorney General Pam Bondi for the bureau.
This vision, as glimpsed in a clip played by Bongino, echoes the sentiments of senior White House advisor Stephen Miller: the “unelected bureaucracy” poses an existential threat to democracy. Miller’s call for radical F.B.I. reform is a clarion call for change that Bongino has long advocated.
He has relentlessly criticized the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, calling for its dismantling based on an error-laden F.B.I. surveillance application. He has also demanded the dismissal of agents involved in the Mar-a-Lago search, characterizing it as an act of tyranny.
Bongino’s ascent to this high-profile position marks a departure from F.B.I. tradition, as he lacks the typical experience within the agency. His career has been marked by controversies, including his penchant for pedaling misinformation on topics such as the pandemic, elections, and the F.B.I. itself.
YouTube’s ban for repeated coronavirus misinformation and his vocal support for Trump’s 2020 election claims have cemented his status as a champion of conservative grievances.
Despite facing a Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Bongino’s trajectory has only escalated. He has become a prominent voice fueling doubt about the legitimacy of President Joseph Biden’s victory.
Bongino’s podcast and online presence continue to sow the seeds of skepticism, offering his followers a unique blend of unrestrained commentary and a search for elusive truths. As he embarks on his new role, it remains to be seen how Bongino’s unconventional methods and conspiratorial mindset will shape the future of the F.B.I.
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