From MAGA Firebrand to FBI No. 2: Who Is Dan Bongino? Here’s Complete Details

Once a fierce critic of federal institutions and a MAGA media darling, Dan Bongino now finds himself at the heart of the very establishment he once condemned — as Deputy Director of the FBI. But after a dramatic shouting match with Attorney General Pam Bondi inside the White House, Bongino may be on his way out.

A Sudden Rise — and an Uncomfortable Role

Born in Queens, New York, Bongino began his career in 1995 as an NYPD officer. He joined the Secret Service in 1999, serving in financial crimes and later on the presidential protection team under Presidents Bush and Obama. His law enforcement credentials would eventually earn him a key position in Trump’s second-term administration.

But before that, Bongino ran — and lost — multiple political campaigns, including a Senate run in 2012 and two House bids in 2014 and 2016. He then transitioned into conservative media, becoming a household name with Fox News’ “Unfiltered” and The Dan Bongino Show, where his hardline views and conspiracy-laced monologues attracted millions.

From Conspiracies to the Core of the FBI

Bongino built his MAGA fame by attacking what he called the “deep state”, promoting election fraud theories, and demanding exposure of powerful names linked to Jeffrey Epstein. He called the Epstein case “a big deal” and urged listeners to “follow the names they’re hiding.”

His shocking appointment as FBI Deputy Director came in early 2025, placing him directly under fellow MAGA ally Kash Patel, who was made FBI Director by President Trump. The irony? Bongino had once branded the FBI as “corrupt to the core.”

In a May 2025 interview, Bongino admitted that he didn’t like the job.

“I’m dying inside,” he said. “But when the president asks you to do something, you do it. Nobody said I had to like it.”

Clash Over Epstein Files

The final straw may have been his very public fight with Pam Bondi, Trump’s Attorney General, over the handling of Epstein-related documents. Sources say Bongino was frustrated with Bondi’s repeated promises to release a client list — a list that never surfaced.

This week, tensions exploded during a closed-door meeting with top White House officials. Bongino was confronted over a leak that suggested he and Kash Patel supported full disclosure of the Epstein files — but were blocked internally. Bongino denied being the source of the leak, but insiders say the damage was done.

Bondi and Bongino are now on a political collision course, with many MAGA insiders backing Bongino.

“It’s either Bongino or Bondi,” conservative host Megyn Kelly posted. “And the pick is obvious. Bondi must go.”

What’s Next for Bongino?

After taking Friday off, rumors are swirling that Dan Bongino may soon resign, unless Bondi steps down first. The administration is trying to calm the waters, releasing a statement insisting the “team remains unified.” But behind the scenes, all signs point to a serious power struggle in Trump’s inner circle.

For now, Bongino remains silent. But for someone who built his career on calling out the establishment, being part of it may be proving too much to handle.