Tangle Podcast Episode Summary
Title: Kash Patel’s Confirmation and Deputy Appointment
Host: Isaac Saul
Release Date: February 26, 2025

Introduction and Overview

In this episode of Tangle, host Isaac Saul delves into the recent developments within the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), focusing on the confirmation of Kash Patel as the new FBI Director and the appointment of Dan Bongino as his Deputy. Published on February 26, 2025, this episode provides a comprehensive analysis of the political ramifications, differing perspectives from both the right and the left, and Saul's personal insights based on his experiences and interactions with the figures involved.

Main Story: Kash Patel’s Confirmation and Dan Bongino’s Deputy Appointment

Confirmation of Kash Patel

At [06:54], Tony introduces the main topic, highlighting that it is the first day of Kash Patel’s tenure as the confirmed FBI Director. Isaac elaborates that Patel’s nomination passed the Senate with a narrow vote of 51-49, reflecting deep partisan divisions.

John provides background on Patel’s nomination process:

• Background: Former federal prosecutor and White House official during Trump's first term.
• Perception: Viewed by many as a Trump loyalist.
• Historical Significance: First person of color to lead the FBI.
• Confirmation Hearing: Lasted five hours, with notable opposition from Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, who joined Democrats in rejecting his nomination.

Patel’s Appointment Details:

• Term Length: 10-year tenure, unlike other Senate-confirmed appointments.
• Replacement: Former FBI Director Christopher Wray resigned early, facilitating Patel’s nomination.

Appointment of Dan Bongino as Deputy Director

John continues, discussing Dan Bongino’s appointment:

• Background: Popular conservative podcaster with experience in the NYPD and Secret Service.
• Controversy: Despite his law enforcement background, Bongino has never worked for the FBI.
• Public Persona: Known for his strong conservative views and media presence.

Key Points:

• Appointment Process: Unlike the Director, the Deputy Director position does not require Senate confirmation.
• Role Expectations: Charged with day-to-day operations of the FBI, a role traditionally held by a career agent.

Right and Left Reactions

At [11:43], John outlines the contrasting perspectives from both political spectrums:

The Right's Perspective

• Support for Reform: Many on the right believe Patel and Bongino will cleanse the FBI of perceived excesses and politicization.
• Beth Brelj (Federalist): Praises Patel’s mandate to eliminate corrupt practices within the FBI, specifically referencing the dismantling of the Russiagate investigation.
• Senator Chuck Grassley: Anticipates continued negative media portrayal as part of a necessary cleanup.
• Ed Morrissey (Hot Air): Sees Bongino’s appointment as a clear message from Trump to overhaul the FBI, emphasizing loyalty and the removal of political chicanery.
• Jacob Sullim (Reason): While acknowledging Patel’s professed commitment to civil liberties, questions his ability to transcend Trump-centric views, highlighting concerns over potential bias.

The Left's Perspective

• Criticism of Politicization: The left views Patel’s confirmation as a strategic move to target Trump’s adversaries within the FBI.
• Andrew Rice (New York Magazine): Warns of a potential authoritarian shift, comparing Patel’s leadership to historical abuses under Hoover.
• Michelle Goldberg (New York Times): Argues that Bongino’s appointment signifies an intent to transform the FBI into a tool for political retribution, undermining merit-based hiring.
• Steve Bennon (MSNBC): Questions the competency and qualifications of Bongino, fearing a departure from the FBI’s traditional role and integrity.

Notable Quotes:

• Ed Morrissey [11:43]: “Bongino has enough qualifications to justify the pick. However, it's still a bit curious... This is not just a Doge deadwood clearing exercise.”

• Michelle Goldberg [11:43]: “If you wanted to turn the FBI into a Trumpist praetorian guard, Bongino is exactly the kind of guy you'd hire.”

Isaac Saul’s Take

Interactive Segment: Spot the Fake Quotes [19:52]

Isaac engages listeners with a game, presenting seven quotes purportedly from Patel and Bongino, challenging the audience to identify fabricated statements. This interactive approach underscores the polarized and often contentious rhetoric surrounding their appointments.

Revelation: All seven quotes presented by Isaac were, in fact, authentic statements made by Patel and Bongino, emphasizing their combative and partisan stances.

Analysis and Personal Insights

Isaac offers a candid and critical assessment of the implications of Patel and Bongino’s leadership:

• Trump’s Influence: Highlights how Trump’s influence continues to shape federal institutions, perpetuating what he terms the “Trump circularity,” where Trump’s actions redefine political norms to his advantage.

• Patel’s Allegiance: Points out Patel’s unwavering loyalty to Trump, referencing his published "enemies list" and refusal to acknowledge Biden’s 2020 election victory.

• Impact on the FBI: Expresses deep concern over the potential politicization of the FBI, fearing that Patel and Bongino may prioritize Trump’s agenda over impartial law enforcement.

• Personal Connection: Shares personal experiences of opposing Bongino’s misinformation in the past, now facing his prominent role within the FBI.

• Ethical Concerns: Doubts the ability of remaining ethical FBI agents to counterbalance the potentially biased leadership of Patel and Bongino.

Key Points:

• Erosion of Trust: The politicization of the FBI under Patel and Bongino further damages public trust and the bureau’s reputation for impartiality.

• Potential for Autocracy: Isaac warns that these appointments are indicative of foundational shifts towards autocratic governance within federal institutions.

Additional News Highlights

John provides a brief overview of other significant news items, ensuring listeners stay informed on diverse topics:

1. U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Resources Deal: Agreement reached without explicit U.S. security guarantees. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy plans to formalize the deal with a White House visit.

2. House GOP Budget Resolution: Narrow adoption of the GOP’s budget resolution, facing minimal Republican opposition.

3. Consumer Confidence Decline: Recent drop in the Consumer Confidence Index to 98.3, the lowest since June 2024.

4. Federal Aid Funding Unfrozen: A federal judge mandates the State Department and USAID to release previously frozen foreign aid funds.

5. Florida Gubernatorial Race: Representative Byron Donalds announces his candidacy for Florida Governor in 2026, challenging incumbent Ron DeSantis.

Under the Radar Story: Texas Measles Outbreak [29:08]

• Outbreak Details: Texas reports its first measles death in an outbreak affecting 124 individuals across nine counties, the state’s largest in decades.

• Transmission: Highly contagious, primarily spreading among unvaccinated individuals.

• Public Health Concerns: Experts anticipate rising case numbers linked to declining childhood vaccination rates.

Numbers Snapshot

John presents a collection of relevant statistics related to the FBI and public perception:

• FBI Directors: Total of 9 confirmed directors since 1935, with 5 between 1935-2001 and 4 between 2001-2025.

• Deputy Directors: 19 confirmed individuals, split between 10 (1930-2001) and 9 (2002-2025).

• Podcast Rankings: "The Dam Bongino Show" ranks #7 on Podtrek’s top US podcasts as of January 2025.

• Public Confidence in the FBI:

  • Overall: 52% of US adults express some confidence in the FBI’s nonpartisan actions during Trump’s second term.
  • By Party: 44% of Democrats and 63% of Republicans share this sentiment, indicating a partisan divide in trust levels.

Conclusion

Isaac Saul concludes the episode by reiterating the gravity of Kash Patel and Dan Bongino’s appointments to the FBI, highlighting the potential long-term impacts on the bureau’s independence and public trust. He emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and supporting ethical practices within federal institutions to prevent further politicization and preserve democratic integrity.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Isaac Saul [19:52]: “All of these motivations are evident in putting Cash Patel at the head of the FBI.”

• Michelle Goldberg (New York Times) [11:43]: “If you wanted to turn the FBI into a Trumpist praetorian guard, Bongino is exactly the kind of guy you'd hire.”

• Jacob Sullim (Reason) [11:43]: “Patel’s public comments and published works provide plenty of reason to be skeptical of his new persona.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Tangle offers a nuanced exploration of the recent leadership changes within the FBI, presenting balanced viewpoints from both political sides while providing Isaac Saul’s incisive critique. By incorporating direct quotes and thorough analysis, the podcast equips listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the implications surrounding Kash Patel and Dan Bongino’s roles in shaping the future of the FBI.

For more in-depth discussions and a variety of political perspectives, visit Tangle’s website and subscribe to their newsletter.