Dan Bongino, the former deputy director of the FBI, has expressed fear that 'thugs' will come after him following his resignation from the prestigious role, leaving him 'living in fear.' Bongino assumed the position in March 2025 under Director Kash Patel and served for ten months before stepping down to return to his podcast.
Controversial Appointment
Bongino's appointment was controversial, as the role typically goes to a senior agent, and the Republican had no prior experience within the FBI—an organization he had previously criticized. After his resignation, President Donald Trump praised him, stating, 'Dan did a great job.'
Despite the endorsement from the US leader, Bongino told Fox's Sean Hannity on the journalist's podcast that he is terrified that 'they're going to come for me.' 'I'm scared, man,' he said on Hang Out with Sean Hannity during Tuesday's episode. 'I know what I did. And I'm proud of my work. And I am proud of what me and Kash [Patel] accomplished in the past year.'
Fear of Retribution
Bongino insisted that he and Patel conducted everything 'by the book,' including hiring an outside lawyer to oversee operations. However, the former deputy director is convinced that a Democratic administration would 'rewrite the book, just like they did for President Trump,' referencing the charges brought against Trump after he left the White House.
'I'm terrified... They’re going to send some thugs to my house,' Bongino said. 'After reading what I read about how many people did this to President Trump, this Russia hoax, collusion, Crossfire Hurricane bulls**t, and not a single person stopped them.'
Bongino has previously referred to FBI agents as 'thugs,' but it is unclear who he is referencing now. Crossfire Hurricane was an FBI investigation that linked Trump to Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump has called the investigation a 'hoax' and has often criticized former FBI Director James Comey.
Clashes and Controversies
While in his FBI role, Bongino clashed with then-Attorney General Pam Bondi over the handling of the Epstein files, particularly the supposed document containing the sex trafficker's client list. Bondi and the Justice Department insisted the list did not exist and that Epstein died by suicide in his jail cell.
Bongino reportedly took a day off work to contemplate his future due to the clash. Security footage from the jail on the night Epstein died was missing a minute, which Bongino was internally blamed for, according to Axios. Bongino also took issue with Bondi's overpromising regarding the Epstein files, stating he believed she underperformed in delivery.
Now, Bongino says he is 'extremely concerned they are [going to] weaponize the justice system and start arresting people for jaywalking or mattress tag ripping. It worries me every day. I'd be lying to you if I said otherwise.'
