Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino opened fire on critics within the Trump-aligned movement Monday, calling out what he described as “black-pillers, life-losers, grifters and bums” who he claimed were sabotaging momentum ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
“I’ve been part of this movement since the Tea Party, and I helped build it from the ground up. I’m not letting it get hijacked,” Bongino wrote on X, signaling his return to public media and political commentary.
Bongino, who confirmed his departure from the FBI last month, is preparing to revive his nationally syndicated podcast and other broadcasting ventures that previously drew significant audiences.
While details regarding timing and format remain undisclosed, his statements suggest a strategic reentry aimed at shaping the movement’s narrative and influencing messaging as congressional elections approach.
In his social media posts, Bongino stressed action over internal conflict, warning that the movement must focus on tangible results.
“This isn’t our first rodeo. We’ve seen a lot of people come and go. The focus now must remain on real progress,” he wrote, highlighting ongoing tensions within Trump-aligned circles and emphasizing his intent to confront voices he believes are undermining the coalition’s efforts.
Bongino also directly engaged former Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL), who referenced Bongino’s prior unsuccessful campaigns, including a 2016 Florida congressional primary and earlier Maryland bids.
Responding sharply, Bongino accused Gaetz of political opportunism.
“Maybe if I spent more time at shady parties with monied insiders I would’ve won. I heard you’d know a bit about that,” he wrote. “You’ve always been a dick by the way. Grifting off your daddy like a suckling little doggie.”
“When I first met you in the panhandle I knew you were a piece of sh*t. It’s written all over that phony face of yours.”
Beyond his public clashes, Bongino’s professional career spans decades in federal service, beginning with the New York Police Department in the mid-1990s and continuing with over a decade in the U.S. Secret Service under multiple presidential administrations, LifeZette notes.
These law enforcement experiences helped shape his later media career, which included a Fox News weekend program and a nationally syndicated podcast consistently ranked among the most-listened-to political shows in the country.
Bongino’s return to media comes at a politically strategic moment, as Trump allies position themselves for upcoming congressional contests and legislative priorities.
Analysts note that his platform consistently draws national audiences, giving him influence over both public opinion and internal movement strategy.
While the FBI has not publicly commented on Bongino’s departure, he confirmed that his next steps will focus on broadcasting and political commentary, positioning him as a high-profile voice ahead of the midterms.
His statements underscore themes of accountability, proactive engagement and discipline, signaling his intent to be an active participant in shaping messaging and strategy within Trump-aligned networks.
Bongino’s remarks reflect a calculated effort to reassert his influence in the movement at a critical political juncture.
By addressing internal critics and asserting control over the narrative, he is ensuring that detractors face a direct challenge from one of the movement’s most recognized figures.
Observers note that his reentry into media and commentary could significantly shape public perception and the internal dynamics of the Trump-aligned base as the 2026 elections approach.
