Bongino Melts Down on Fox. Can’t Handle Real Job?

Summary

Bulwark Takes: Detailed Summary of "Bongino Melts Down on Fox. Can’t Handle Real Job?"

Release Date: May 29, 2025
Host: The Bulwark Team (including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, Bill Kristol, and more)
Episode Title: Bongino Melts Down on Fox. Can’t Handle Real Job?

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Introduction: Dan Bongino’s Emotional Appearance on Fox and Friends

The episode opens with Tim Miller addressing the listeners about a recent incident involving Dan Bongino, a prominent podcast host who has recently assumed the role of Deputy FBI Director. Tim sets the stage by highlighting Bongino's emotional breakdown during his appearance on Fox and Friends.

• [00:00] Tim Miller: "Deputy Dan, our deputy FBI director, former podcast host, was crying on Fox and Friends today because people don't appreciate how hard his job is."

Bongino’s Struggles Transitioning to the FBI

Dan Bongino shares his frustrations about the transition from being a podcast host to a high-responsibility position within the FBI. He emphasizes the personal sacrifices he has made, including strained relationships and the demanding nature of his new role.

• [00:11] Dan Bongino: "It's really something. And I want to talk to you about what is underlying all of this, but we should watch it together and laugh first."

Cash Patel adds to the discussion by outlining the grueling work schedule and personal toll the job has taken on him and Bongino, highlighting long hours and the emotional strain of being separated from family.

• [00:19] Cash Patel: "I gave up everything for this... He's there at 6 o' clock in the morning. He doesn't leave till 7 at night... Divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated, divorced. And it's hard."

Mocking Bongino’s Inexperience and Comparing Roles

Tim Miller critiques Bongino’s ability to handle the responsibilities of his new role, juxtaposing his past as a conspiracy-driven podcast host with the meticulous, evidence-based work required by the FBI.

• [01:02] Tim Miller: "You thought it was going to be hard. You thought you could leave your job as a podcast host and become the Deputy Director of the FBI with no relevant subject matter experience?"

Tim further underscores the discrepancy by contrasting the serious nature of FBI work with the relatively less demanding tasks of running a podcast.

• [01:50] Tim Miller: "Directing the FBI is a hard job. The bureau does serious work... Being a conspiracy podcast host, it's not too hard to work."

The Importance of Evidence in Law Enforcement

The conversation shifts to the necessity of presenting concrete evidence in legal proceedings, a stark difference from Bongino’s previous approach of promoting unverified and sensational claims.

• [02:17] Tim Miller: "When you're the deputy FBI director, you need to come up with evidence to bring to a grand jury."

Bongino is criticized for his past behavior of spreading unfounded allegations without substantial proof, which now hampers his effectiveness in a role that demands factual accuracy and responsibility.

• [02:27] Dan Bongino: "You can't just pop off and be, like, frazzled."

Failed Conspiracy Theories and Their Impact

Tim highlights specific instances where Bongino’s conspiracy theories failed to hold up under scrutiny, thereby undermining his credibility in his new position.

• [02:32] Tim Miller: "RIP I think Hillary Clinton is potentially putting the skin of babies on her face and hiding young children in the basement of a pizza parlor that doesn't have pizza."

Bongino acknowledges Tim’s point, emphasizing the seriousness required in his role and the inability to entertain baseless theories.

• [02:43] Dan Bongino: "You can't, like, do that sort of stuff."

Underlying Reasons for Bongino’s Breakdown

The discussion delves deeper into why Bongino was emotionally affected during his Fox appearance. Tim suggests that the root cause is Bongino's inability to deliver on the grandiose claims he made while being a podcast host.

• [02:59] Tim Miller: "Here's what's really underlying why he was crying on Fox."

Bongino elaborates that the challenges stem not only from the job's difficulty but also from unmet expectations placed upon him by his followers.

• [03:02] Dan Bongino: "Donald Trump should have picked somebody who had experience in the entire modern history of the Bureau."

Disconnect Between Podcast Persona and FBI Responsibilities

Tim criticizes Bongino for leveraging his podcast fame and conspiracy theories to gain authority in the FBI, a move that clashes with the organization’s demand for evidence-based operations.

• [03:24] Tim Miller: "He has gotten rich and famous on parroting whatever his listeners wanted him to say."

Bongino responds by highlighting the backlash from his audience, who now see him as ineffective in his new role.

• [03:55] Dan Bongino: "They're mad at Cash and Bongino. Like, you guys are lazy. You guys are doing photo ops. You guys are now the Fed boys."

Examples of Unsubstantiated Claims

The hosts cite specific false claims propagated by Bongino and his associates, underscoring the difficulty of addressing these without credible evidence.

• [04:08] Tim Miller: "Why haven't they gone after the Biden crime family yet?"
• [04:28] Dan Bongino: "Go flashback to that clip where Patel and Bongino are talking about how Epstein really did kill himself."

Impact on the Maga Base and Public Perception

Tim explains how Bongino's inability to substantiate his claims has led to frustration among his supporters, who demanded concrete actions and results based on his previous assertions.

• [05:01] Cash Patel: "They killed himself. Again, you want me to... He killed himself."

Conclusion: Bongino’s Future and Ongoing Challenges

As the episode nears its end, Tim mocks Bongino’s predicament, suggesting that his former listeners may no longer support him due to his failure to deliver on his conspiracy theories within the FBI framework.

• [07:11] Dan Bongino: "You guys are doing photo ops. You guys are now the Fed boys."

Tim concludes by expressing confidence that Bongino might return to the podcast scene as a competitor, highlighting the cyclical nature of media and public service roles.

• [07:44] Dan Bongino: "On the YouTube podcast charts, sooner rather than later. So I look forward to that very much."

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Key Takeaways

• Role Transition Challenges: Dan Bongino’s shift from a conspiracy-focused podcast host to Deputy FBI Director has exposed a significant gap between sensationalist media and the rigorous demands of law enforcement.

• Evidence-Based Responsibility: The necessity for credible evidence in the FBI contrasts sharply with the unfounded claims that Bongino previously propagated, highlighting the challenges of managing such a transition.

• Audience Backlash: Bongino faces backlash from his original supporter base, who expected him to continue promoting unfounded theories within his new role, leading to disappointment and criticism.

• Future Implications: The episode suggests that Bongino may revert to his podcast roots, potentially competing with The Bulwark’s own media offerings, underscoring the tension between media personalities and institutional responsibilities.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller: "Directing the FBI is a hard job. The bureau does serious work." ([01:50])
• Dan Bongino: "Can't handle real job?" ([07:22])
• Cash Patel: "They killed himself. Again, you want me to... He killed himself." ([05:01])

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This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a critical examination of Dan Bongino’s recent career move, juxtaposing his past as a conspiracy podcast host with his current role in federal law enforcement. Through incisive commentary and pointed examples, the hosts underscore the complexities and challenges inherent in bridging media influence with institutional responsibility.

Transcript

[Tim Miller]

Hey, guys, Tim Miller from the Bulwark here. Deputy Dan, our deputy FBI director, former podcast host, was crying on Fox and Friends today because people don't appreciate how hard his job is.

[Dan Bongino]

It's really something. And I want to talk to you about what is underlying all of this, but we should watch it together and laugh first.

[Cash Patel]

I gave up everything for this. I mean, you know, my wife is struggling. I'm not a victim. I'm not Jim Comey. It's fine. I did this and I'm proud I did it. But if you think we're there for tea and crumpets, well, I mean, cash is there all day. We share. Our offices are linked. He turns on the faucet. I hear it. He's there at. He gets in like 6 o' clock in the morning. He doesn't leave till 7 at night. You know, I'm in there at 7:30 in the morning. You know, he uses the gym. I work out in my apartment, but I stare at these four walls all day in D.C. you know, by myself. Divorced from my wife. Not divorced, but I mean, separated, divorced. And it's hard. I mean, you know, we love each other and it's hard to be apart, but you're doing some great work. Ye, straight now to the FBI. You move in buildings. There's a lot of change.

[Tim Miller]

Okay, so there it is. It was really cute how Brian kill me just trying to buck him up there at the end. It's okay, buddy, you're doing good. Look here. I mean, on the. For starters, it's just funny to point and laugh like Dan Pungino. You thought it was going to be hard. You thought you could leave your job as a podcast host and become the Deputy Director of the FBI with no relevant subject matter experience? Well, yeah, dude, Directing the FBI is a hard job. The bureau does serious work. You know, being a conspiracy podcast host, it's not too hard to work. I should know. As a podcast host, I know how much work goes into it. It's not nothing. You know, we prep, I put in time. But for me, it's important to get the facts right. So I spend a lot of time reading other people and consuming information that shouldn't have really been a problem for.

[Dan Bongino]

Dan, who just kind of said whatever he wanted, said whatever the craziest person on the Internet said was true, and just started, you know, smearing people and throwing allegations around and, and cheering on Mr. Trump.

[Tim Miller]

Rah rah, Orange man. Good. So, you know, shouldn't have been that hard for him. And as such, It's a big upgrade to a job that has, you know, actual responsibilities. Right. I mean, when you're the deputy FBI director, you need to come up with.

[Dan Bongino]

Evidence to bring to a grand jury.

[Tim Miller]

Or to U.S. attorney.

[Dan Bongino]

You know, of.

[Tim Miller]

Crimes that have been committed. You know, you got to actually, like, have the work.

[Dan Bongino]

You can't just pop off and be, like, frazzled.

[Tim Miller]

RIP I think Hillary Clinton is potentially putting the skin of babies on her face and hiding young children in the basement of a pizza parlor that doesn't have pizza.

[Dan Bongino]

You can't, like, do that sort of stuff.

[Tim Miller]

There's no Q drop.

[Dan Bongino]

You can't really do that stuff when you, you have to bring material to other parts of the justice apparatus. Here's another thing, though.

[Tim Miller]

Here's what's really underlying why he was crying on fox.

[Dan Bongino]

And it's related to the fact that not just that the job is hard, which it is. Which is why Donald Trump should have picked somebody who had experience in the entire modern history of the Bureau. The deputy FBI director was somebody who had been a gman, who had years on the beat, who understood the job. So it's why he should have picked somebody like that.

[Tim Miller]

But the job is hard for a particular reason, for Dan Bunge, as I mentioned, and that is that he has gotten rich and famous on parroting whatever his listeners wanted him to say.

[Dan Bongino]

Right.

[Tim Miller]

Like, he would say outlandish, and it didn't matter if it was true or not. Okay. And you are now seeing now that he has a job with responsibility. He's disappointing these people.

[Dan Bongino]

I see it all the time in my social media feed of maggots that I follow. Maggots complaining about cash and Dave Bongino, Will Sommer, who writes False Flag newsletter for us, has seen this and has.

[Tim Miller]

Documented this, which you should sign up.

[Dan Bongino]

For@The bullock.com Will Somerset about how, you know, a lot of the QAnon world, a lot of these guys are upset.

[Tim Miller]

That, you know, that there haven't been any arrests. Why haven't they gone after the Biden crime family yet? Right. There's just been this list of issues. Epstein, you know, well, let's actually, let's.

[Dan Bongino]

Go flashback to that clip where Patel and Mangino are talking about how the Epstein, how Epstein really did kill himself. Because this is an important subtext here.

[Cash Patel]

You said Jeffrey Epstein committed suicide. People don't believe it.

[Mary Bartiromo]

Well, I mean, listen, they have a right to their opinion. But as someone who has worked as a public defender, as a prosecutor who's been in that prison system, who's been in the Metropolitan Detention center, who's been in segregated housing. You know, a suicide when you see one. And that's what that was.

[Cash Patel]

They killed himself. Again, you want me to. I've. I've seen the whole file. He killed himself.

[Tim Miller]

So you see there in that clip.

[Dan Bongino]

And in a different clip where on the same show with Mary Bartaroma, where they talked about how, you know, there was no real conspiracy behind the Trump assassination attempt, a lot of people, a lot of MAGA folks online wanted to believe that was the deep state, it was an op.

[Tim Miller]

And so you have these series of issues.

[Dan Bongino]

The Biden crime family, so called, you know, not getting arrested because they didn't actually do crimes. Epstein, the Trump assassination attempt, you know, QAnon, the supposed pedophile ring of Democrats, leading Democrats that are all pedophiles, right?

[Tim Miller]

Like, all this stuff, for years and years, people on the right, content creators, which is what they were like Cash and Bungino had been riling people up about all this deep, nefarious stuff that's happening behind the scenes, okay? And now they're in a position of authority, and they can't follow through on any of those things because when you go to a grand jury, you need more info than just your farts. You know, when you go to the grand jury and say, hey, arrest this person. They're a pedophile. You gotta actually show them evidence that they're a pedophile. You know, if the supposed pedophile ring was being maintained in the basement of a pizza parlor, you know, if you're gonna get. If you're gonna arrest the people running that ring, you need to first prove that the pizza parlor had a fucking basement, which it didn't. And so that makes the FBI director and deputy director job particularly hard for Cash and Boncino, because two amateurs getting in there would have been a tough job anyway. But if they, you know, if they're just using the expertise they had within the bureau and trying to do their job, you know, it would have been a learning curve. But you figure it out. But in their case, not only do they have this massive learning curve, but they're trying to prove things that aren't true to keep their base happy, to keep the people happy they needed, they need to provide some sort of evidence that all the things that they've been talking about all these years were actually real. And rather than MAGA voters accepting the reality, which is that they weren't real, they'd been lied to.

[Dan Bongino]

They're mad at Cash and bungee. Like, you guys are lazy. You guys are doing photo ops. You guys are now the Fed boys. You've gone native with the deep state, and this is making them unhappy.

[Tim Miller]

And I enjoy when Dan Bougino's unhappy. So, sorry, Deputy Dan. That's the latest tough break that you gotta work for a living now that you took this job. And good luck finding some real bad guys instead of the ones that you pretended were bad when you were a podcast host. And my guess is I'll probably be seeing you back here as a competitor.

[Dan Bongino]

On the YouTube podcast charts, sooner rather than later. So I look forward to that very much.

[Tim Miller]

Everybody else, subscribe to this feed. Help us get up the charts. Tell your friends we'll be seeing you soon.

[Dan Bongino]

Peace.