FBI gives Dan Bongino unprecedented bodyguard detail

In early 2025, the FBI initiated a new security protocol for Deputy Director Dan Bongino, who is noteworthy for being the first to hold the position without a career background in the bureau. Traditionally, individuals in this role did not receive extensive security details, but Bongino's case marked a departure from this precedent. The bureau sought volunteers among its agents to provide round-the-clock protection, asking them to temporarily leave their duties for periods of 30 days. Current and former officials noted that this change diverted manpower from critical law enforcement activities, raising questions about priorities within the agency under the leadership of FBI Director Kash Patel. The reasoning behind Bongino’s decision to request a security team instead of carrying a firearm himself prompted discussions among analysts and former officials. While some viewed it as a necessary precaution in light of the modern threats facing public figures, others criticized the perceived excessiveness of twenty agents dedicated to his protection. Historical context illustrated that previous deputy directors typically relied on minimal security, with Bongino's predecessor, Paul Abbate, only having one agent during his tenure. Bongino's appointment as deputy director raised eyebrows due to his contrasting background as a MAGA podcaster and his lack of direct FBI experience before being nominated by then-President Donald Trump. His role has raised concerns and curiosity given the previous norms within the agency. The internal culture of the FBI under Patel emphasized reducing personnel at headquarters in Washington and reallocating them to field offices, intended to strengthen on-the-ground law enforcement efforts. However, the establishment of Bongino's security detail was seen as contrary to those goals. The FBI's decision to instate this security detail not only sparked debate about Bongino's reported concerns for his safety, but also placed the agency's overall strategic direction into question. The controversy surrounding this action highlighted the scrutiny Bongino has faced and the challenges of balancing the need for security with operational requirements of the bureau's law enforcement agenda. As Bongino continues to navigate his role amid these discussions, the implications of his choices on the FBI’s reputation and efficacy remain a focal point of debate among both the public and former agency officials.