Key Points

• It seems likely that Kash Patel and Dan Bongino were appointed as FBI Director and Deputy Director in February 2025, with Patel confirmed by the Senate and Bongino appointed by President Trump, though their lack of direct FBI experience has sparked some debate.
• Research suggests their previous roles—Patel in national security and Bongino in law enforcement and media—likely influenced their selections, aligning with President Trump's vision for the FBI.
• The evidence leans toward expecting reforms focusing on traditional crime-fighting and addressing perceived biases, but their leadership may face challenges due to differing views on their qualifications.

Appointments and Certifications

Kash Patel was confirmed as FBI Director on February 20, 2025, with a 51-49 Senate vote, and sworn in on February 21, 2025. Dan Bongino was appointed Deputy Director on February 23, 2025, by President Trump, and his role does not require Senate confirmation. These appointments mark a significant shift, as neither has traditional FBI experience, which has been a point of discussion.

Backgrounds and Previous Roles

• Kash Patel: A lawyer and former federal prosecutor, Patel served as senior counsel on counterterrorism for the House Intelligence Committee, senior director at the National Security Council, and chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense. His work under Congressman Devin Nunes and criticism of the "deep state" likely warranted his hiring.
• Dan Bongino: A former New York City police officer (1995-1999) and Secret Service agent (1999-2011), Bongino protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. His transition to conservative media, including hosting "The Dan Bongino Show," and his alignment with Trump likely led to his deputy role. Notably, his show is one of the largest conservative podcasts, with over 16 million downloads in July 2024, attracting a massive audience comparable to filling three arenas daily, akin to a double platinum musician in conservative news casting.

Expected Impact in Leadership Roles

With Patel and Bongino leading, the FBI may see a shift toward traditional crime-fighting, potential structural changes like relocating headquarters, and efforts to address perceived political biases. However, their lack of FBI experience and partisan ties could lead to internal and external challenges, especially given concerns about independence. An unexpected detail is Patel's intention to turn the FBI headquarters into a "museum of the deep state," signaling a bold approach to reform ([BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg1ln145l3o)).

Comprehensive Analysis of Kash Patel and Dan Bongino's Appointments

This note provides a detailed overview of the recent appointments of Kash Patel as FBI Director and Dan Bongino as Deputy Director, focusing on their certifications, backgrounds, and expected impacts in their leadership roles. The analysis is based on current events as of 11:39 AM CST on Monday, February 24, 2025, and includes insights into their histories and the potential future direction of the FBI under their leadership.

Appointments and Certifications

Kash Patel and Dan Bongino's "certifications" for their positions refer to their official appointments to the FBI leadership. Kash Patel, nominated by President Donald Trump, was confirmed by the Senate on February 20, 2025, in a narrow 51-49 vote, with only two Republicans, Sens. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, joining Democrats in opposition ([BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rqpp52j5vo)). Patel was sworn in as the 9th FBI Director on February 21, 2025, at the White House, marking his formal entry into the role. Dan Bongino, on the other hand, was announced as Deputy Director on February 23, 2025, via an X post by Trump, praising him as "a man of incredible love and passion for our Country" ([Daily Mail Online](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14428357/Trump-Fox-commentator-Dan-Bongino-Cabinet-Deputy-FBI-Director-Kash-Patel.html)). Unlike Patel's position, the Deputy Director role does not require Senate confirmation, allowing for a quicker appointment process.

These appointments represent a significant departure from tradition, as neither has direct FBI experience, which has raised concerns among Democrats and some Republicans about their qualifications and potential for political influence ([The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/23/us/politics/dan-bongino-fbi-deputy-director.html)).

Backgrounds and Previous Roles

Kash Patel's Background:
Kashyap Pramod Vinod "Kash" Patel, born February 25, 1980, in Garden City, New York, is an American lawyer and former federal prosecutor with a strong track record in national security ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kash_Patel)). His career includes:

• Serving as senior counsel on counterterrorism for the House Intelligence Committee in 2017, where he worked under Congressman Devin Nunes, playing a key role in investigations into Trump and Russian interference in the 2016 election.
• Appointed senior director of the Counterterrorism Directorate at the National Security Council in 2019, focusing on national security policy.
• Acting as chief of staff to the acting secretary of defense and senior advisor to the acting director of national intelligence during Trump's first term, demonstrating his deep ties to the administration.

Patel's educational background includes a Certificate in International Law from University College London, and he has been a vocal critic of the "deep state," authoring books like "Government Gangsters" that list perceived corrupt officials ([Axios](https://www.axios.com/2024/12/01/kash-patel-trump-fbi-director-what-to-know)). His loyalty to Trump and experience in intelligence likely influenced his selection for FBI Director.

Dan Bongino's Background:
Daniel John Bongino, born December 4, 1974, in Queens, New York, is a former law enforcement officer turned conservative media personality ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Bongino)). His previous roles include:

• New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer from 1995 to 1999, gaining early law enforcement experience.
• U.S. Secret Service agent from 1999 to 2011, serving on the protective details for Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, providing him with significant security expertise.
• Transitioning to conservative media, hosting "The Dan Bongino Show" on Rumble and previously "Unfiltered with Dan Bongino" on Fox News until April 2023. He also ran unsuccessfully for Congress three times as a Republican, in 2012, 2014, and 2016.

Bongino holds a Master's Degree in Psychology from C.U.N.Y. and an MBA from Penn State, adding to his qualifications ([NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/trump-administration/trump-names-conservative-podcaster-dan-bongino-deputy-fbi-director-rcna193395)). His outspoken support for Trump, including hosting him on his podcast and promoting election fraud claims, likely contributed to his appointment as Deputy Director. Notably, his podcast has seen over 16 million downloads in July 2024, with a significant following, attracting an audience comparable to filling three arenas daily, akin to a double platinum musician in conservative news casting ([Cumulus Media Press Release](https://www.cumulusmedia.com/2021/07/22/cumulus-medias-the-dan-bongino-show-is-now-heard-on-more-than-300-stations/)).

Expected Impact in Leadership Roles

Under Kash Patel and Dan Bongino's leadership, the FBI is poised for significant changes, reflecting their conservative alignment and Trump's broader agenda. Below is a detailed breakdown of potential impacts, supported by their stated intentions and backgrounds:

Kash Patel's Vision for the FBI:
Patel has vowed to "rebuild" the FBI, which includes controversial plans such as shutting down the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C., and reopening it as a "museum of the deep state" ([BBC News](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg1ln145l3o)). In interviews, such as on the "Shawn Ryan Show," he has suggested stripping the FBI of its intelligence-gathering role and redistributing its 7,000 headquarters employees to chase criminals across America ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trump-picks-kash-patel-head-fbi-2024-12-01/)). His focus seems to be on:

• Emphasizing traditional crime-fighting duties over intelligence operations.
• Addressing perceived biases, particularly in investigations involving Trump, such as the Mar-a-Lago search and January 6 Capitol riot probes.
• Supporting conservative former FBI agents, as evidenced by his financial backing through the Kash Foundation for "The Suspendables," who criticized the bureau's handling of January 6 ([NBC News](https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/justice-department/conservative-ex-fbi-agents-kash-patels-ear-rcna189611)).

However, his lack of law enforcement experience and past comments about prosecuting journalists and media figures have raised concerns among Democrats, who fear political retribution ([CNN Politics](https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/30/politics/takeaways-kash-patel-fbi-confirmation-hearing/index.html)). During his confirmation hearing, Patel denied plans for retributive actions, but his ties to Trump and history of promoting conspiracy theories, such as the 2020 election being stolen, suggest potential for controversy ([NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/g-s1-49696/trump-cabinet-picks-kash-patel)).

Dan Bongino's Role and Expected Contributions:
As Deputy Director, Bongino is responsible for supervising daily domestic and international operations, a role traditionally held by career FBI agents with operational expertise ([TIME](https://time.com/7260981/dan-bongino-deputy-director-fbi-biography-controversies-conspiracies/)). Given his background, the following can be expected:

• Leveraging his law enforcement experience from the NYPD and Secret Service to focus on operational efficiency and traditional policing.
• Aligning with Patel's reforms, as seen in a recent podcast episode where he praised Patel's appointment, stating, "Kash Patel is there for one reason, he is there to make the FBI great again" ([The Indian Express](https://indianexpress.com/article/world/dan-bongino-trump-appointed-deputy-fbi-director-9854122/)).
• Potentially supporting mass firings or personnel changes, given Trump's comments about firing FBI personnel involved in Capitol riot cases and Bongino's history of criticizing the bureau's leadership ([Sky News](https://news.sky.com/story/dan-bongino-the-right-wing-commentator-who-is-trumps-pick-for-deputy-fbi-director-13316273)).

Bongino's lack of FBI experience and history of spreading misinformation, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., calling masks "face diapers" ), have drawn criticism, with some former Justice Department officials expressing concerns ([The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/02/23/dan-bongino-fbi-deputy-director-trump/)). His appointment, like Patel's, breaks from tradition, potentially leading to internal resistance and external scrutiny.

Comparative Table of Backgrounds and Expected Impacts

Conclusion

The appointments of Kash Patel and Dan Bongino to lead the FBI signal a transformative period for the agency, with a likely emphasis on aligning with Trump's conservative agenda and addressing perceived biases. However, their lack of traditional FBI experience and partisan ties may lead to internal challenges and political controversy, particularly given Democratic concerns about independence and potential targeting of adversaries. As of February 24, 2025, their leadership is expected to reshape the FBI's priorities, but the long-term impact remains to be seen.

Key Citations:

• [Kash Patel vows to 'rebuild' FBI after Senate confirms him as agency's director](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvg1ln145l3o)
• [Dan Bongino: Trump names podcaster as deputy FBI director](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpwd2qrn1e2o)
• [Right wing commentator Dan Bongino picked to be Kash Patel’s deputy FBI director - al.com](https://www.al.com/politics/2025/02/kash-patel-picks-right-wing-podcaster-for-deputy-fbi-director-trump-says.html)
• [US Senate narrowly confirms Kash Patel as next FBI director | Trump administration | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/feb/20/kash-patel-senate-confirms-fbi-director)
• [Who is Kash Patel, Trump's new FBI director?](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0rqpp52j5vo)
• [Senate confirms Kash Patel, fierce critic of FBI, to head the bureau : NPR](https://www.npr.org/2025/02/20/g-s1-49696/trump-cabinet-picks-kash-patel)
• [Dan Bongino tapped for FBI deputy director - CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/dan-bongino-fbi-deputy-director/)
• [Podcaster Dan Bongino to become FBI deputy director, Trump says - The Washington Post](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2025/02/23/dan-bongino-fbi-deputy-director-trump/)
• [Right-Wing Commentator Named F.B.I. Deputy Director - The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/23/us/politics/dan-bongino-fbi-deputy-director.html)
• [Kash Patel, Trump Pick for FBI Director, Confirmed by Senate | TIME](https://time.com/7259969/kash-patel-fbi-director-confirmation-senate-hearing-trump-pick/)
• [Kash Patel - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kash_Patel)
• [Kashyap P. Patel - Department of Defense](https://www.defense.gov/About/Biographies/Biography/Article/2418491/kashyap-p-patel/)
• [Kash Patel | Confirmation, Vote, Senate Hearing, Wife, & Facts | Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kash-Patel)
• [Is Kash Patel married? Unravelling personal life of anti-'deep state' crusader and Trump's FBI pick - Hindustan Times](https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/is-kash-patel-married-unravelling-personal-life-of-anti-deep-state-crusader-and-trumps-fbi-pick-101733058070541.html)
• [What to know about Kash Patel, Trump's pick for FBI director](https://www.axios.com/2024/12/01/kash-patel-trump-fbi-director-what-to