Legendary conservative podcaster Dan Bongino is officially back—and he’s wasting absolutely no time setting the tone.
Bongino, who served as FBI Deputy Director, announced his retirement in December, with his final day at the bureau on January 3. In his farewell message, he thanked President Donald Trump, Attorney General Pam Bondi, and FBI Director Kash Patel for the opportunity to serve, calling it a privilege to work “with purpose” on behalf of the American people. Not exactly the kind of exit you make if you’re sneaking out the back door.
The praise flowed both ways. FBI Director Kash Patel credited Bongino with playing a key role in an FBI that is “saving lives, protecting innocent kids, and taking deadly drugs off our streets at levels not seen in decades,” adding that none of it would have been possible without Bongino’s leadership. High praise—and notably specific.
On Monday, Bongino resurfaced with a post-update message to supporters, confirming future announcements are coming, but making clear that family comes first. He thanked followers for their support, hinted at the return of his show, and offered a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the Trump administration—calling it an “otherworldly experience” and saying Trump is “determined and focused,” adding that after being around multiple presidents, “this one broke the mold.” Subtle? No. Accurate? Also no argument there.
Bongino also addressed critics head-on, explaining that anyone blocked by his team wasn’t censored—it was dismissed. According to Bongino, black-pillers and anti-Trump agitators thrive on division and drama, while his focus is on results. In other words, if your entire political identity revolves around complaining online, you’re probably not on the guest list.
Later that day, Bongino escalated—this time turning his fire on what he called “grifters” and “black-pillers” within the conservative movement. He reminded followers that he’s been in the fight since the Tea Party era, helped build the movement, and has no intention of watching it get hijacked by people who thrive on pessimism, outrage, and personal branding over progress.
“We are a movement guided by truth,” Bongino wrote, emphasizing that conservatism is about preserving enduring principles—not chasing trends or devouring allies for clicks. After quietly doing the job he was hired to do inside the administration, Bongino made it clear he’s back—and ready to restore order.
With midterms approaching, Bongino warned there’s no time for internal sabotage or endless whining while the administration is delivering real results. He rejected the idea that removing destructive elements is “infighting,” calling it “outfighting” and likening it to excising a cancer before it kills the host. Not exactly a Hallmark card—but clarity rarely is.
Bongino closed by teasing major announcements ahead and making one thing unmistakably clear: he’s energized, focused, and not going anywhere.
For conservatives tired of noise, negativity, and fake outrage, Bongino’s return signals something refreshing—discipline, momentum, and a movement focused on winning. And judging by his tone, he’s just getting started. ??
