Full Breakdown
Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino Describes Internal Split and Leak-Detection Tactics
4/29/2026, 1:36:45 AM
Divided Agency: Two Factions Within the FBI
On the *Hang Out with Sean Hannity* podcast, former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said the bureau functions as two distinct groups. He called one “FBI one,” comprising agents he deemed effective, such as those on the Violent Crimes Against Children (VCAC) unit. He described the other, “FBI two,” as populated by “snakes” that created internal roadblocks.
Background & Context: Tenure and Reform Goals
Bongino joined the FBI in March 2025 and left in January 2026, serving about ten months. He pledged to make the agency transparent, accountable, and committed to the rule of law, aiming to restore integrity and eliminate political bias.
Key Figures & Groups: Bongino, Kash Patel, and Internal Sources
During his service, Bongino worked with FBI Director Kash Patel on leak concerns. He said the bureau sometimes consulted external contacts, though vetting was unreliable, and cited an alleged leak by an individual named John Smith.
Timeline of Service and Public Disclosure
- March 2025 – Bongino begins as FBI Deputy Director.
- January 2026 – He departs.
- Early 2026 – Appears on the Sean Hannity podcast, describing the split and recounting a test where he fabricated a harmless schedule detail to trace a media leak; the episode aired on a Tuesday, date unspecified.
Official Statements: Commitment to Reform
Bongino publicly promised to restore FBI integrity, eliminate political bias, and reaffirm its core mission of protecting the United States and upholding the Constitution, framing these goals as central to his tenure.
Criticism & Opposition: Labeling Agents as “Snakes”
Bongino labeled a portion of the bureau “snakes,” suggesting some agents hindered investigations. He noted difficulty distinguishing “good” from “bad” FBI personnel, leading to reliance on external advice that sometimes proved inaccurate.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There were two FBIs trying to help you solve the A, B and C problems, and that's FBI one and FBI two,” — Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director
- “You're trying to figure this out, and you're asking someone for advice, you've only been there a couple weeks, and you don't know if that person is part of the good FBI or the bad FBI,” — Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director
- “My promise to you is that I will work tirelessly to help restore integrity, eliminate political bias, and ensure the FBI remains dedicated to its core mission of protecting the United States and upholding the Constitution,” — Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director
- “It happened a couple times where they'd say, ‘Oh, you can trust John Smith.' And you trust John Smith, and then a week later you see a leak in the media and you'd be like, ‘I'm pretty sure that came from John Smith,’” — Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director
What's Next: Potential Agency Response
The FBI has not issued a public response to Bongino’s claims, and no formal investigation has been announced. The allegations may prompt internal reviews of information-security practices.
