The Dan Bongino Show: Episode 2419 - "Following The Money In This Growing Scandal"

Release Date: February 10, 2025
Host: Dan Bongino
Network: Cumulus Podcast Network

Overview

In Episode 2419 of The Dan Bongino Show, host Dan Bongino delves deep into the intricate web of political corruption, media bias, and the alleged misuse of government funds for censorship and regime change. Throughout the episode, Bongino critiques mainstream media figures, highlights political scandals, and underscores the pervasive influence of what he terms the "Deep State." The episode is structured to provide listeners with a comprehensive analysis of current political dynamics, emphasizing the importance of following financial trails to uncover hidden agendas.

1. Weekend Update and Personal Anecdotes

Bongino begins the episode with a lighthearted weekend update, sharing his experience at a new restaurant, Pez Vella, in Stewart. He humorously recounts his initial skepticism about sushi rolls, only to develop an appreciation for them. This segment serves to connect with listeners on a personal level before transitioning into more substantial discussions.

Notable Quote:
"I just brought it up because ladies and gentlemen, I'm not a sushi roll kind of guy. I don't like sushi rolls. I just like plain old raw fish."
[Timestamp: 07:30]

2. The Josh Shapiro Controversy and the "Bongino Rule"

Bongino addresses the allegations surrounding Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is accused of involvement in an assassination plot against former President Trump. Emphasizing the need for evidence-based judgment, Bongino introduces the "Bongino Rule," advocating that significant allegations require substantial proof.

Notable Quote:
"Big allegations require big evidence. I'm always under the assumption that you're being played until people prove to me otherwise."
[Timestamp: 10:15]

3. Media Critique: Margaret Brennan and Mainstream Bias

A substantial portion of the episode is dedicated to critiquing media personalities, particularly CBS's Margaret Brennan. Bongino accuses her of incompetence and bias in reporting on USAID's funding initiatives, suggesting that her portrayal misleads the public about the organization's true activities.

Notable Quote:
"Margaret, you could have just looked it up. Follow the money."
[Timestamp: 12:45]

Bongino shares a heated critique of Brennan's inability to accurately report on USAID's expenditures, highlighting discrepancies between her claims and publicly available data.

4. USAID and the Alleged Funding of Censorship and Regime Change

Central to the episode is Bongino's assertion that USAID funds are being diverted to support censorship and regime change activities globally. He argues that these funds facilitate the suppression of conservative voices and promote anti-American agendas through organizations like Internews.

Notable Quote:
"Your taxpayer dollars are funding censorship and conservative ideas. Exclusion lists mean any conservative website, podcast, or whatever we're going to make sure no advertiser puts their stuff on there because we just don't like your politics."
[Timestamp: 20:30]

Bongino references Samantha Power's tenure at USAID, suggesting that her policies directly contribute to undermining democratic processes and promoting authoritarian regimes.

5. Political Corruption and Financial Scandals: The Biden Family

Bongino touches upon financial scandals involving the Biden family, alleging that foreign transactions have funnelled millions into their accounts without legitimate services justifying such payments. He references Senator Joni Ernst's investigations, presenting them as evidence of systemic corruption within governmental agencies.

Notable Quote:
"The committee has accounted for over $24 million that has flowed from foreign sources to you, your family and their business associates."
[Timestamp: 25:50]

He emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, warning of the dangers posed by unchecked financial misconduct.

6. The Role of Elon Musk and Technology in Combating the Deep State

Bongino acknowledges Elon Musk's contributions to promoting freedom and combating the Deep State's financial influence. He credits Musk with efforts to shut down Deep State bank accounts, viewing technological advancements as pivotal in the fight against entrenched political corruption.

Notable Quote:
"Elon Musk's contribution to liberty and freedom. Tesla's great, great company. He's a capitalist. Fine. Space X, great. All great products, X. Don't follow the money to us."
[Timestamp: 30:10]

Bongino praises Musk's initiatives, positioning him as a key ally in the struggle against government overreach and financial manipulation.

7. Cancel Culture and Its Implications

Addressing the pervasive issue of cancel culture, Bongino criticizes societal tendencies to permanently judge individuals based on past mistakes. He advocates for a more forgiving and understanding approach, emphasizing personal growth and redemption over perpetual condemnation.

Notable Quote:
"If we are really going to engage in this fake virtue signaling bullshit for the rest of our lives, we're a bunch of 5 to 16 year olds having to worry about every utterance we've ever made."
[Timestamp: 45:25]

Bongino calls for an end to cancel culture, arguing that it hinders societal progress and fosters a climate of fear and repression.

8. The Trump Administration's Fight Against Corruption

Highlighting recent actions by former President Donald Trump, Bongino discusses efforts to revoke security clearances of corrupt officials and expose fraudulent activities. He portrays Trump as a steadfast leader combating deep-seated corruption within the government.

Notable Quote:
"Donald Trump pulled a bunch of security clearances on Joe Biden and others. These two corruptocrats can now not access federal buildings. They don't belong in there."
[Timestamp: 52:40]

Bongino underscores the significance of these actions as steps toward dismantling corrupt networks and restoring integrity within federal institutions.

9. The Importance of Following Financial Trails

Throughout the episode, Bongino emphasizes the necessity of tracing financial flows to uncover hidden agendas and corrupt practices. He argues that understanding where money is directed reveals the true motives behind political actions and policies.

Notable Quote:
"Follow the money trail. This is not a difficult case. It's super easy to understand. The federal government steals your money in the form of excessive tax payments."
[Timestamp: 35:50]

By advocating for financial scrutiny, Bongino encourages listeners to adopt a more investigative approach to understanding political and governmental actions.

10. Conclusion and Call to Action

In wrapping up the episode, Bongino reinforces the themes of accountability, transparency, and resistance against corrupt influences. He calls upon his audience, the "Bongino Army," to remain vigilant and proactive in combating the Deep State's efforts to manipulate and control.

Notable Quote:
"Your money is funding two things: censorship of you and regime change because they don't want fair elections. Because what do you get? You get a Donald Trump."
[Timestamp: 40:15]

Bongino concludes by highlighting the ongoing struggle and the importance of collective action in safeguarding democratic principles.

Final Thoughts

Episode 2419 of The Dan Bongino Show serves as a fervent exposé of perceived governmental and media corruption, weaving together personal anecdotes, political analysis, and urgent calls for action. Bongino's passionate delivery aims to galvanize his audience into questioning established narratives and seeking truth through financial investigation. Whether one agrees with his perspectives or not, the episode underscores the deep-seated divisions and debates shaping contemporary American politics.