FBI's Patel: First Trump Attempt Was Home Brew

FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, both staunch Trump supporters, have revealed that evidence reviewed since taking office earlier this year shows no indication that the first assassination attempt on President Donald Trump was part of a foreign conspiracy.

During a joint interview on Fox News' Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, Bongino disclosed that there is no evidence supporting claims of a foreign plot. When pressed on why more details about the assassination attempts haven’t been shared with the public, Patel declined to discuss ongoing investigations but noted that he and Bongino have gained significant insights from briefings and evidence.

Bartiromo asked if their findings would surprise the public, to which Bongino responded candidly, “I’m not going to tell people what they want to hear. I’m going to tell you the truth, and whether you like it or not is up to you.”

@FBIDirectorKash & @FBIDDBongino reveal the latest on President Trump's assassination attempts, the new direction of the FBI, and plans to leave the Hoover Building in part 2 of @MariaBartiromo's exclusive interview. pic.twitter.com/JwHe7zoOVb

— SundayMorningFutures (@SundayFutures) May 18, 2025

Other Key Topics:

Transparency and Document Release: Patel announced an imminent “wave of transparency,” promising the release of previously hidden documents related to the Trump-Russia investigation (Crossfire Hurricane) and the January 6 Capitol breach within one to two weeks. He and Bongino claimed these documents would expose misuse of the FISA process and other misconduct by former FBI officials like James Comey, Andrew McCabe, and Peter Strzok. They confirmed that unredacted documents have already been sent to Congress.

Past FBI Misconduct: Patel accused former FBI leadership, particularly Comey, of politicizing the agency, citing the Hillary Clinton email investigation as an example of selective prosecution. He emphasized that the FBI does not decide prosecutions, which are handled by Attorney General Pam Bondi’s team, and criticized past officials for “hijacking” Justice Department responsibilities.

January 6 and Undercover Agents: When Bartiromo asked about FBI agents allegedly acting as provocateurs during the January 6 Capitol riot, Bongino clarified the distinction between agents and assets, promising a definitive written report on the matter. Patel suggested that former officials may have lied under oath to Congress about the FBI’s role, urging the public to review past testimonies.

Rebuilding Trust and Reforms: Both leaders acknowledged the FBI’s damaged reputation and outlined efforts to restore credibility. Patel highlighted a record number of agent applications in his first month, signaling renewed interest in the bureau. They also discussed plans to relocate 1,500 agents from Washington, D.C., to field offices nationwide and move the FBI headquarters from the J. Edgar Hoover Building.

Response to Criticism: Bongino pushed back on expectations to resolve long-standing issues within their two-month tenure, asking for patience as they address complex, multi-year investigations. He emphasized their commitment to truth over political narratives, stating, “I’m not going to tell people what they want to hear. I’m going to tell you the truth.”

Comey’s “86 47” Post: Bongino condemned a recent social media post by Comey (“86 47”) as part of a pattern of misconduct, noting that the FBI and Secret Service are investigating potential threats. He mentioned that the interview was recorded before the post surfaced, which is why he addressed it separately.