New Dan Bongino Video Podcast Faces Backlash

Dan Bongino's brief and controversial tenure as FBI deputy director has sparked significant backlash from segments of his conservative online audience, particularly as he prepares to relaunch his popular podcast.

Bongino, a longtime conservative podcaster, former Secret Service agent, and vocal Trump supporter, was appointed deputy director in February 2025 by President Donald Trump and served under FBI Director Kash Patel starting in March 2025. The role—typically held by a career FBI agent—did not require Senate confirmation. His time in the position lasted less than a year; he announced his departure in December 2025 and officially stepped down in early January 2026, citing personal reasons and a desire to return to private life.

According to the Washington Post, key points of contention during his stint included clashes with Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling and transparency of Jeffrey Epstein-related files, where Bongino expressed frustration with perceived lack of disclosures. 

He also had to reconcile his prior podcast claims—such as calling certain events "inside jobs" or promoting FBI cover-up theories—with official investigations and statements while in office. For instance, he walked back some past assertions about the January 6 pipe bomb case after an arrest was made under his and Patel's leadership, emphasizing facts over prior opinions.

These developments, combined with the FBI's limited high-profile actions on long-standing conservative grievances (like deeper Epstein revelations or widespread "deep state" accountability), have led to accusations of under-delivery or even betrayal from some former fans. 

Critics online have labeled him a "deep state plant," mocked his quick exit, or questioned his credibility after he blocked detractors and dismissed skeptics as "black-pilled" or grifters.

As he relaunches "The Dan Bongino Show" on February 2, 2026, as a two-hour daily program streaming live on Rumble (with audio on major podcast platforms), Bongino faces the challenge of rebuilding trust. He has teased bringing "Washington insights" and a renewed focus on conservative issues, but alienated followers express doubt about his return, viewing it as a retreat after failing to enact promised reforms inside the bureau.

Supporters, meanwhile, praise his service and perspective gained from the "inside," with Bongino framing his departure as completing his mission to help reform the agency. The split highlights broader tensions within MAGA circles over expectations versus realities of government roles.