Westwood One nationally syndicated radio host Dan Bongino has been named as the Deputy FBI Director by President Donald Trump, the host announced Sunday evening.
Bongino — a former NYPD officer and Secret Service agent — had long been rumored as a potential target of the Trump administration.
In a social media post, President Trump revealed Bongino as his choice to serve as the Deputy Director of the FBI.
“Great news for Law Enforcement and American Justice!” wrote Trump. “Dan Bongino, a man of incredible love and passion for our Country, has just been named the next Deputy Director of the FBI, by the man who will be the best ever Director, Kash Patel.”
Trump noted that Bongino is “one of the most successful podcasters in the country, something he is willing and prepared to give up in order to serve.”
Calling Bongino one of the most successful podcasters in the country could be viewed as an understatement. His Cumulus Podcast Network show has consistently been a top-five finishing program in the overall podcast rankings in the United States in the Triton Digital and Podtrac rankings.
In his own social media post, Dan Bongino shared a simple statement.
“Thank you Mr. President, Attorney General (Pam) Bondi, and Director (Kash) Patel,” he stated.
The departure of Bongino marks the latest high-profile departure from the national syndication offerings from Westwood One. At the end of 2024, the network’s relationship with The Daily Wire — which included syndication of shows from Ben Shapiro, Matt Walsh, and Michael Knowles — ended, leaving many stations looking to fill three hours in the daily lineups.
In a statement, a Cumulus Media spokesperson confirmed that Dan Bongino will depart Westwood One on Friday, March 14th.
“We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Dan Bongino on his decision to take on the role of Deputy Director of the FBI,” the spokesperson said. “Dan has entertained and informed tens of millions of listeners every day and we are grateful for our successful partnership. We look forward to welcoming Dan back in the future. We truly value our audience, advertisers, and affiliates and remain dedicated to bringing them the next exciting chapter for this programming soon.”
In a public statement, Rumble CEO Chris Pavlovski shared his appreciation for Bongino who helped grow the digital video platform.
“You helped create the DNA of Rumble and I can’t wait to see how you impact the DNA of the FBI,” Pavlovski said of Bongino. “Myself and the Rumble team will miss you dearly and when you finish your business at the FBI, we’ll be here waiting. It’s been an absolute honor and pleasure to have worked with you.”
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