Bulwark Takes: Dan Bongino Doomed? The MAGA Mob Is Out For Blood Release Date: April 22, 2025
Host/Author: The Bulwark
Guests: Will Sommer

Overview

In the April 22, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, host Andrew Egger delves into the tumultuous position of Dan Bongino, the Deputy Director of the FBI and a prominent figure within the MAGA movement. Joined by reporter Will Sommer, the discussion navigates through Bongino's challenges in satisfying the high expectations of his MAGA supporters, ongoing swatting incidents targeting right-wing influencers, and the broader implications for the FBI's standing within the conservative base.

Dan Bongino's Struggles in the FBI

Andrew Egger opens the conversation by highlighting the precarious situation Dan Bongino finds himself in. Once a celebrated figure among MAGA supporters for his outspoken nature and alignment with Trump's agenda, Bongino now faces criticism for not delivering the "based" outcomes his followers expect.

Andrew Egger [02:00]:
"It can be tricky because you have a spotlight on your work and people might start looking around saying, hey, what's going on? Where's my based MAGA outcomes?"

Will Sommer elaborates on Bongino's current approach, noting his frequent and somewhat erratic social media activity aimed at reassuring his base.

Will Sommer [01:30]:
"Dan Bongino is taking this kind of strange approach where he's constantly, constantly tweeting everyone's top bugging me, I'm working on it, I'm working on it."

This relentless communication has not only failed to placate his supporters but has also drawn more scrutiny and pressure, especially as Bongino handles delicate investigations.

Swatting Incidents Targeting MAGA Influencers

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the rise of swatting—dangerous prank calls made to dispatch police to others' addresses—and its impact on right-wing figures. Bongino is under the spotlight due to recent swatting incidents involving influencers like Gunner Thorderson and Gunner Eagleman.

Andrew Egger [02:10]:
"What's going on with FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino these days?"

Will Sommer provides context, explaining that these swatting incidents have heightened expectations for Bongino to act swiftly, leading to heightened frustration among his supporters.

Will Sommer [02:30]:
"They start getting pizzas in this guy, dead guy's name. And then suddenly the cops come and it, you know, it's very sinister stuff. And so, you know, they're getting mad and they're saying Dan Bongino's useless."

These events exacerbate the pressure on Bongino to deliver tangible results, further entrenching his difficulties in meeting the MAGA base's demands.

Balancing Law Enforcement Duties and Political Expectations

Egger and Sommer discuss the inherent conflict Bongino faces between his responsibilities as an FBI Deputy Director and the political expectations of his MAGA followers. Bongino's role requires impartiality and adherence to legal protocols, which often clashes with the partisan demands for high-profile arrests and actions against perceived enemies of the movement.

Andrew Egger [04:00]:
"You have accountability from the cranks in a way that it seems like, you know, Donald Trump never really does."

Sommer agrees, pointing out that while figures like Bongino are expected to deliver results, the nature of FBI work means that outcomes are not always immediate or sensational.

Will Sommer [05:00]:
"In the past we've had very button-down FBI directors. And then the deputy director of the FBI is supposed to be even more button-down."

This tension highlights the broader issue of how federal law enforcement interacts with highly partisan groups, and the challenges of maintaining operational integrity amidst political pressures.

The Broader Impact on the FBI and Right-Wing Media

The episode also touches upon the larger narrative of distrust and antagonism between the FBI and certain segments of the right-wing media. With whistleblowers and conspiracy theorists publicly criticizing the FBI, leaders like Bongino find themselves at the crossroads of law enforcement and political propaganda.

Will Sommer [06:00]:
"There's so much scrutiny of the FBI from the right after years of these whistleblowers... they're saying Dan Bongino's betrayed us."

This environment not only complicates Bongino's ability to perform his duties effectively but also strains the relationship between federal agencies and the communities they serve.

Comparisons with Other MAGA Figures

Egger draws parallels between Bongino's situation and that of other MAGA-aligned individuals like Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who faces backlash for not completely adhering to the movement's more extreme beliefs.

Andrew Egger [09:00]:
"Maybe you'd be a little grateful because they honestly, they are... he's making us mad. He's owning us."

Sommer adds that while Bongino and similar figures are held accountable by their followers, Donald Trump remains somewhat insulated due to his established position and prior successes within the movement.

Will Sommer [10:00]:
"Trump is always kind of like hovering above this. Nobody ever kind of comes around demanding that he... "

This distinction underscores the complexities within the MAGA movement, where loyalty to central figures like Trump shields them from the same level of scrutiny faced by their allies.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a reflection on the untenable position Bongino occupies—struggling to meet the unrealistic expectations of his MAGA supporters while fulfilling his duties within the FBI. This dynamic not only affects Bongino personally but also has broader implications for the integrity and public perception of federal law enforcement agencies.

Andrew Egger [10:30]:
"Give Dan Bongino a little bit of a break or whatever."

The discussion wraps up by acknowledging the challenges Bongino faces and the necessity for more realistic expectations from both Bongino and his base to ensure effective law enforcement without compromising professional standards.

Key Takeaways

• Dan Bongino's Dilemma: Balancing FBI duties with the high and often unrealistic expectations of the MAGA base.

• Swatting as a Weapon: An increase in swatting incidents targeting right-wing influencers intensifies pressure on Bongino.

• Law Enforcement vs. Partisan Pressure: The inherent conflict between impartial law enforcement responsibilities and partisan demands undermines operational effectiveness.

• Erosion of Trust: Continued scrutiny and conspiracy theories erode trust in the FBI among conservative groups.

• Leadership in Crisis: Bongino's situation exemplifies the broader challenges faced by federal agencies amidst political polarization.

Notable Quotes

• Andrew Egger [02:00]:
  "It can be tricky because you have a spotlight on your work and people might start looking around saying, hey, what's going on? Where's my based MAGA outcomes?"

• Will Sommer [01:30]:
  "Dan Bongino is taking this kind of strange approach where he's constantly, constantly tweeting everyone's top bugging me, I'm working on it, I'm working on it."

• Will Sommer [06:00]:
  "There's so much scrutiny of the FBI from the right after years of these whistleblowers... they're saying Dan Bongino's betrayed us."

• Andrew Egger [10:30]:
  "Give Dan Bongino a little bit of a break or whatever."

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides an in-depth analysis of the intersection between federal law enforcement and partisan politics, using Dan Bongino's current challenges as a focal point to explore broader themes of accountability, trust, and the complexities of serving in a politically charged environment.