Former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino angrily defended himself on Sean Hannity's show after critics reacted to his admission that he was paid to provide political commentary. He dismissed media outrage over his December suggestion that the Jan. 5, 2021 pipe bombs in Washington, D.C., could have been an "inside job." Authorities later arrested Brian Cole Jr. on Dec. 4, 2025; investigators say he planted the devices because he believed false claims about the 2020 election. Bongino left the FBI weeks later amid controversies and plans to return to podcasting in February.
Dan Bongino Erupts at Media After Admitting He Was Paid to Promote Conspiracy Claims
Both Dan Bongino and Kash Patel were MAGA podcasters before being tapped by Donald Trump to lead the FBI. / Tom Williams / Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino launched an angry defense on Sean Hannity's show after critics reacted to his admission that he had been "paid" to provide political commentary. Appearing visibly perspiring, Bongino said he was baffled that reporters treated his past paid commentary as a scandal rather than a routine part of media work.
On Hannity's program, Bongino revisited a December remark in which he suggested the pipe bombs placed outside Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 5, 2021, might have been an "inside job." He said the backlash centered not on the comment itself but on the revelation that he had previously been compensated for political commentary.
"When I made this comment on your show, the morons in the media were apparently unaware that I was paid for a political commentary show," Bongino said. "This was news to them, Sean. They were like, 'Oh my gosh, Dan Bongino was paid as a...' — me and you were laughing about this the next day."
Bongino argued there is a clear difference between roles: public servants who are paid to serve taxpayers and paid commentators who offer opinion. "When you're paid to do a job for the taxpayer, you serve the taxpayer. When you're paid to do a political commentary show, you offer political commentary," he said.
Dan Bongino and Pam Bondi feuded after the DOJ and FBI said Jeffrey Epstein didn’t have a “client list” and was not murdered in his cell. / Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
In November 2024, Bongino had speculated on his podcast — without presenting evidence — that the reason a suspect had not been arrested earlier was that "it's either a connected anti-Trump insider or this was an inside job. Those bombs were planted there. This was a setup. I have zero doubt." The FBI and Department of Justice later announced on Dec. 4, 2025, that 30-year-old Brian Cole Jr. had been arrested; authorities say Cole told investigators he planted the devices because he believed false claims that the 2020 election had been rigged.
Following the arrest, Hannity pressed Bongino — who had been serving as Kash Patel's No. 2 at the FBI — about his prior promotion of unverified theories. Bongino responded that, although he had been paid previously for his opinions, his official responsibilities at the bureau required investigations based on facts.
Bongino left the FBI weeks later in December 2025. His brief tenure drew criticism inside the bureau, and media accounts noted public disputes he had over the handling of Jeffrey Epstein documents, including an alleged July 2024 altercation with Attorney General Pam Bondi and a reported threat to resign. Some FBI insiders reportedly described him as more focused on his social media profile than on traditional law enforcement duties.
Bongino told Hannity he plans to return to podcasting in February and indicated he will resume a more outspoken public role once he is back on air.
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