FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Addresses Key Issues in First Media Interview

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino broke his media silence on May 18, 2025, with a long-form interview on Fox News with host Maria Bartiromo, alongside FBI Director Kash Patel.

In a detailed post on X, Bongino summarized the discussion, emphasizing his commitment to transparency while addressing several pressing issues concerning the FBI’s operations and public perception.

Bongino explained his reluctance to engage with the media prior to this interview, stating, “I haven’t done any media interviews to this point because I want to keep the attention on the work. I don’t work for myself anymore, I work for you.” He highlighted the choice of a long-form format to provide clarity on the FBI’s current initiatives and challenges, aiming to bridge the information gap with the public.

One significant announcement was the relocation of FBI headquarters from the J. Edgar Hoover Building in Washington, D.C. Bongino confirmed, “Yes, we are moving FBI headquarters out of the Hoover Building. The process has already begun.” This aligns with a May 16, 2025, report by Government Executive, which noted that Director Patel plans to reassign 1,500 employees outside the D.C. area, citing the Hoover Building’s documented state of disrepair since a 2013 assessment.

Addressing the controversial Jeffrey Epstein case, Bongino stated, “I have reviewed the case. Jeffrey Epstein killed himself. There’s no evidence in the case file indicating otherwise.” He acknowledged public skepticism, adding, “I’m not asking you to believe me, or not. I’m telling you what exists, and what doesn’t. If new evidence surfaces I’m happy to reevaluate.”

Bongino also responded to questions about accountability within the FBI, a topic that has fueled public distrust. He noted, “The Director and I have been working tirelessly to uncover the bad actors,” but cited HR confidentiality as a barrier to sharing specifics. He refuted claims of inaction, saying, “Bad actors looking to tell you ‘a story,’ not THE story, want you to believe we haven’t taken harsh and decisive action against rogue employees. That’s absolutely false.”

However, X users expressed frustration, pointing to perceived failures in addressing issues like the January 6 investigations and prominent Democratic figures.

On FBI priorities, Bongino outlined a renewed focus under the Trump administration, stating, “We will make your communities safer.” He highlighted efforts targeting illegal immigration operations, child sex crimes, 764 cases, and violent criminal fugitive apprehensions, alongside plans for a “massive operation to clean up your streets” during the summer. This shift aligns with a May 6, 2025, Associated Press report detailing the administration’s review of 450,000 migrant children, though migrant advocates have raised concerns about potential deportations. Bongino also assured that counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence missions would continue at a high tempo.

The interview, detailed further in a May 18, 2025, article by The Last Refuge, also touched on broader transparency efforts. Director Patel promised “a wave of transparency” within weeks, while Bongino emphasized the need to prioritize correctly, saying, “Do you want it done right, or do you want it done correctly.”

Despite these assurances, public reactions on X remain mixed.