Right-Wing Commentator Named F.B.I. Deputy Director
President Donald Trump announced on his social media platform that newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel has selected Dan Bongino as the agency's deputy director. This position does not require Senate confirmation, placing two of Trump's loyalists at the helm of the nation's leading law enforcement body.
The announcement came shortly after the FBI Agents Association informed its members that Director Patel had privately acknowledged the need for a deputy director with an FBI background. The decision to appoint Bongino, who lacks such experience, has heightened concerns among the bureau's personnel.
In a statement on social media, Bongino commended FBI staff as "dedicated individuals" deserving of leadership that supports and safeguards their mission. He expressed his commitment to working diligently to uphold the values and integrity foundational to America's law enforcement institutions.
Traditionally, the role of deputy director is filled by seasoned agents with extensive experience, overseeing the bureau's complex operations and sensitive investigations. Bongino's appointment marks a significant departure from this practice, raising questions about how he and Patel, both without prior FBI service, will manage an agency comprising 38,000 employees and an $11 billion budget.
The pairing of Patel and Bongino represents the least experienced leadership duo in the bureau's history. Their history of disseminating misinformation and engaging in partisan politics has prompted concerns about potential political influence over an agency traditionally shielded from White House interference.
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