Dan Bongino, who served as FBI Deputy Director from March 2025 to January 2026, expressed deep concerns about potential political retaliation during an appearance on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast. Bongino said he fears being targeted with federal charges or violence as retribution for his work attempting to reform the agency.
"I'm scared, man," Bongino told Hannity, describing himself as "terrified" by what he witnessed during his tenure. He stated that thoughts of retaliation consume him daily and that he believes political opponents will pursue what he characterizes as "lawfare" to silence him through imprisonment.
Bongino said he encountered internal resistance during his time at the FBI, including what he described as "snakes" leaking sensitive information to media outlets. He claimed to have uncovered significant files related to what he called "Russiagate" materials, which he said were found in FBI burn bags. He stated he brought in outside legal counsel to ensure his actions and those of his colleague Kash Patel complied with regulations.
Despite legal precautions, Bongino expressed skepticism that adherence to proper procedures would protect him. He referenced the prosecution of President Trump after leaving office, stating that those who targeted the former president faced no consequences. "It doesn't matter, they'll rewrite the book just like they did for President Trump," he said.
Bongino's concerns extended beyond legal prosecution. He told Hannity he worries that Republicans could lose the next presidential election, after which he fears adversaries "are going to send some thugs to my house." He also expressed anxiety about what he characterized as weaponization of the justice system, citing hypothetical enforcement of minor offenses as examples of potential abuse.
"I live like this the rest of my life because I know how they are," Bongino said, emphasizing the persistent nature of his concerns. When he took the position at the FBI, he had stated his goal was to make the agency "transparent, accountable, and committed to the rule of law."
