Bongino Returns to Airwaves, Defends FBI's Epstein Review and Blasts 'Doomers' in MAGA Ranks
Dan Bongino, the controversial former co-deputy director of the FBI, returned to his podcast platform Monday with a vigorous defense of the bureau’s review into the Jeffrey Epstein case, sharp attacks on critics within the conservative movement, and revelations from a sit-down with former President Donald Trump.
Bongino, who served as the No. 2 official under FBI Director Kash Patel before stepping down last month, framed the Epstein file review as an intractable "level 10 problem" with no perfect resolution. "It was never going to please everyone," he stated, addressing the intense public and political scrutiny surrounding the case.
His return highlights the ongoing political turbulence within federal law enforcement and the MAGA movement. Bongino claimed his departure was always planned as a one-year stint and vowed to use his show to combat what he called "grifters" and "doomers" sowing division. "This movement has been hijacked," he asserted.
The episode featured an interview with Trump, who expressed conflicted feelings about Bongino's career move. "I’m very torn," Trump said. "I think maybe I’d rather have you where you are [on the podcast], because very few people can do what you do." The comment underscores the perceived political value of influential media allies over traditional bureaucratic roles.
Bongino's tenure was unorthodox from the start. A former Secret Service agent and prolific pro-Trump podcaster, he had no prior FBI experience and had repeatedly lambasted the bureau as a "deep state" weapon. His appointment signaled a Trump-aligned effort to overhaul an institution often criticized by the right.
Addressing his past promotion of conspiracy theories—including that Epstein was murdered—Bongino conceded the recently released evidence didn't support those claims. "What we thought was going to be in there wasn’t in there," he said, referencing the FBI-DOJ review that found no basis for criminal charges beyond Epstein. He attributed public speculation to "a ton of problems" with unverified, hearsay-filled tips now public under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
He defended Director Patel's restructuring, alleging they found "two FBIs": a "weaponized" segment focused on political targeting and "door kickers" dedicated to law enforcement. The challenge, he said, was distinguishing between them. Bongino also justified their active social media use, a practice criticized by former officials, as necessary for public transparency.
The interview concluded with Trump nostalgically noting, "I was very unhappy when you left the FBI, but I was very happy that you have your show, which does so good."
Reaction & Analysis
Mark Richardson, Political Analyst: "Bongino’s pivot from critic to defender is a stark example of the insider-outsider dynamic in today's politics. His defense of the Epstein review may aim to bolster the credibility of the current FBI leadership among skeptics, but it risks alienating his core audience that thrived on those very suspicions."
Elena Rodriguez, Former Federal Prosecutor: "The operational details he hints at—'two FBIs,' hearsay tips—are not new management challenges. However, airing them on a podcast blurs the line between public accountability and internal grievance, potentially undermining the bureau's operational integrity."
Ben Carter, Host of 'The American Pulse' Podcast (Sharp Critique): "This is a stunning betrayal. For years, Bongino built an audience by screaming about FBI corruption and Epstein cover-ups. Now, after a cushy year inside, he tells us to 'be patient' and that the files are empty? It's the oldest trick in the book: go inside, get the title, then become the very apologist you used to ridicule. Total sell-out."
Sarah Jensen, Journalism Professor: "The Trump interview segment is the real story. It explicitly frames media influence as a key political asset. Trump’s 'I’d rather have you on the podcast' remark is a clear valuation of narrative shaping over institutional governance—a telling moment for the evolving relationship between power and media."