In a stunning political development, former Secret Service agent and conservative commentator Dan Bongino has been named FBI Deputy Director by President Donald Trump—just days after delivering a blistering takedown of Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) on his podcast.

Bongino’s Attack on Schiff: “It Can Never Happen Again”

During an explosive segment on The Dan Bongino Show, the firebrand Republican accused Schiff of playing a key role in perpetuating the “Russia collusion hoax,” calling it one of the greatest political scandals in American history.

“This was never about the truth,” Bongino said. “It was about manufacturing a fake narrative to take down a sitting president—a duly elected president—by weaponizing the intelligence community. We cannot let this happen again.”

Bongino, a fierce critic of the FBI’s past leadership, hinted that he would push for internal reforms to eliminate political bias within the agency. His appointment signals a hard shift in direction for the FBI under Trump’s second administration, particularly in how it handles politically charged investigations.

Schiff’s Pre-Emptive Pardon From Biden Sparks Controversy

Schiff, who served on the House Jan. 6 Committee, was granted a pre-emptive pardon by former President Joe Biden—a move that has ignited a political firestorm.

The pardon, which covers any potential offenses tied to Schiff’s involvement in the committee, was issued before Trump officially retook office, effectively shielding Schiff from any future legal repercussions tied to his role in the investigations of Trump and his allies.

In response to Bongino’s appointment, Schiff dismissed concerns about his pardon, saying, “It was unnecessary, but I have nothing to hide.”

However, critics on the right argue that the pardon confirms Schiff’s guilt, with some claiming it was a calculated move by the Biden administration to protect key figures before leaving office.

Jan. 6 Committee Leaders Defend Their Actions

Following Bongino’s comments, former Jan. 6 Committee members Reps. Bennie Thompson and Liz Cheney released a joint statement, defending their work as a necessary effort to uphold democracy.

“The American people deserve to know the truth about what happened on January 6th,” the statement read. “Our committee followed the law and conducted a fact-based investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election.”

But Trump allies remain skeptical, arguing that the committee pushed a one-sided narrative while ignoring critical evidence that countered their claims.

What Bongino’s Appointment Means for the FBI

With Bongino now serving as second-in-command at the FBI, many anticipate a significant shake-up within the agency.

His staunchly conservative views and criticism of the “deep state” suggest he may push for:

• Reevaluating past FBI investigations, including those related to Trump’s presidency.
• Holding intelligence officials accountable for any misconduct tied to the Russia probe.
• Eliminating what he calls the FBI’s “political weaponization”

•  under previous administrations.

“The people responsible for these hoaxes need to be held accountable,” Bongino said on his podcast. “And if I have anything to do with it, they will be.”

A Political Firestorm on the Horizon?

Bongino’s newfound authority at the FBI combined with Trump’s directive to “clean house” sets the stage for potential legal battles, investigations, and political warfare in Washington.

Meanwhile, Schiff’s pre-emptive pardon—a rare move in American politics—is already sparking legal and constitutional debates about whether it was justified or simply a safeguard against future prosecution.

What’s Next?

With Trump now back in office, many wonder whether Bongino and his allies will push for criminal investigations into Schiff, the FBI’s handling of past cases, and the Jan. 6 committee’s actions.

Will Bongino succeed in his mission to unravel what he calls “years of corruption”? Or will Schiff’s pardon protect him from further scrutiny?

One thing is certain: Washington is bracing for one of the most politically charged showdowns in recent history.