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Ex-Trump Official Bongino Slams 'Grifters' of MAGA Movement
The polarizing former FBI deputy director returns to podcasting, accusing MAGA supporters of 'doing nothing' to create change.
Published on Feb. 4, 2026
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In his first episode back hosting 'The Dan Bongino Show,' the former Secret Service agent and FBI deputy director addressed his brief tenure at the FBI, interviewed President Donald Trump, and defended the bureau's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bongino tore into who he described as 'grifters' of the MAGA movement, accusing them of 'doing nothing' to create change while 'ankle-biting' those fighting for the country.
Why it matters
Bongino's return to podcasting and his scathing criticism of the MAGA movement he once championed highlights the growing divisions within the conservative base, as some longtime supporters become disillusioned with the direction of the 'America First' agenda.
The details
In his first episode back hosting 'The Dan Bongino Show,' the former Secret Service agent and FBI deputy director addressed his nine-month tenure at the FBI, interviewed President Donald Trump, and defended the bureau's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Bongino claimed that MAGA had been 'hijacked by dipsh--- and bums and losers who are nothing but doomers,' railing against a group who he said has been critical of the administration but has not formally acted to create change.
- Bongino returned to private life in early January 2026 after serving in the FBI for less than a year.
- The episode aired on Monday, February 4, 2026.
The players
Dan Bongino
A former Secret Service agent and FBI deputy director who emerged as a popular podcaster among President Trump's base, but has now become increasingly critical of the 'grifters' within the MAGA movement.
Donald Trump
The former president, who interviewed Bongino on his podcast and expressed being 'very torn' over whether Bongino would be better suited as a leader in the FBI or as a podcaster.
Pam Bondi
The former Attorney General, with whom Bongino reportedly clashed over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files during his brief tenure at the FBI.
What they’re saying
“I'm here to take back this movement,”
— Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director (The Dan Bongino Show)
“You sat in the front row with your popcorn, ankle-biting, throwing this popcorn at the ring at two guys in there sparring away, fighting for this country, while you did sh--! You just talked about it. So you didn't do anything.”
— Dan Bongino, Former FBI Deputy Director (The Dan Bongino Show)
“I think, maybe, I'd rather have you where you are. Very few people can do what you do, and your voice is a very important one.”
— Donald Trump (The Dan Bongino Show)
What’s next
Bongino has indicated he plans to continue addressing the 'grifters' within the MAGA movement on future episodes of his podcast.
The takeaway
Bongino's scathing criticism of the MAGA movement he once championed underscores the growing divisions within the conservative base, as some longtime supporters become disillusioned with the direction of the 'America First' agenda.
