Former Secret Service agent and NYPD officer Dan Bongino, now serving as FBI Deputy Director, has publicly criticized The New York Times for what he described as a poorly researched article that accused the Trump administration of politicizing the FBI. In a post on X, Bongino directly challenged the Times’ editorial board, citing data to counter the accusations. He argued that the FBI’s work under the Trump administration has been marked by a significant focus on violent crime and illegal immigration, with the results demonstrating that the bureau is effectively combating these threats.
The Times article, published under the title ‘Trump’s Politicized FBI Has Made Americans Less Safe,’ accused President Donald Trump of redesigning the FBI to serve his political goals, including through the hiring of loyalists and the intimidation of political opponents. The editorial board claimed that the changes have made the FBI less effective at addressing critical threats such as terrorism, foreign espionage, and organized crime. Bongino, however, refuted these claims by presenting statistics that highlight the FBI’s successes, including a record-low murder rate in the U.S. and a substantial increase in violent criminal arrests compared to the same period last year.
Bongino’s post also noted the FBI’s efforts in dismantling gang operations, including the largest TDA gang takedown in the country. He mentioned the arrest of three of the top ten most wanted FBI targets and the ongoing pursuit of other high-profile suspects, such as those allegedly involved in planting pipe bombs during the January 6th riots. Bongino emphasized the FBI’s commitment to counter-terrorism and counterintelligence, while acknowledging the sensitivity of certain information due to its classified nature.
Additionally, Bongino highlighted the bureau’s efforts in seizing large quantities of illicit drugs, including over 97,000 pounds of cocaine, more than 7,000 pounds of meth, and over 2,500 pounds of fentanyl. The FBI, in collaboration with federal partners, has also managed to arrest and deport more than 18,000 illegal immigrants, many with criminal histories. Bongino noted that zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. from the border in June, and that over 800 rioters had been arrested for obstruction of law enforcement.
He concluded his post by calling out the Times for omitting key data points to shape its narrative, emphasizing that the bureau’s efforts have real-world impacts on public safety. Bongino argued that the Times’ article, despite being an opinion piece, should at least attempt to include factual data to support its claims. He reiterated that the FBI is actively working to close in on suspects and correct past issues, ensuring that the agency remains effective and focused on its core missions.
Trump had previously announced Bongino’s appointment as FBI deputy director, calling it ‘great news for law enforcement and American justice.’ Meanwhile, Kash Patel, Trump’s chosen leader for the FBI, was sworn in after a narrow Senate confirmation. Patel, a staunch opponent of investigations into Trump, vowed not to engage in political retribution against agents involved in sensitive matters. The FBI did not immediately respond to media inquiries, and the New York Times did not comment on the criticism, leaving the debate over the FBI’s role and effectiveness open for further discussion in the public eye.